Wanted Abduction Suspect and Focus of an Amber Alert Located and Arrested – Juvenile Female Safe and Reunited with Family
Spokane Valley Deputies, Spokane County Sheriff’s Deputies, and Washington State Patrol Troopers converged on a caller’s sighting of a stolen vehicle and focus of an Amber Alert initiated by the Lewiston Police Department on Monday. The suspect Jonathon W. Bowles was arrested after a short pursuit. The 15-year-old juvenile reportedly abducted by Bowles is safe, and she has been reunited with her family.
The Amber Alert advised that the suspect, 36-year-old Jonathon W. Bowles, was with an abducted 15-year-old juvenile female victim who was last seen in Lewiston on Friday, December 3, 2021. It was believed they were traveling in a reported stolen 2007 maroon Chevrolet Trailblazer. Bowles had multiple outstanding warrants for his arrest, including child molestation, and should be considered armed and dangerous.
On December 7, 2021, at approximately 5:55 pm., Spokane Valley Deputies and Spokane County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to assist Washington State Patrol Troopers in locating a reported stolen vehicle that was the focus of an Amber Alert initiated by the Lewiston Police Department on Monday.
An alert citizen observed the SUV and called in, stating the vehicle was northbound on Pines near Sprague. The SUV was confirmed as the stolen Trailblazer associated with the Amber Alert.
Deputies joined a WSP Trooper behind the vehicle as it traveled west on Trent from Pines. They activated their emergency lights, attempting to stop the SUV near Trent and Fowler.
The vehicle, driven by Bowles, pulled over into a parking lot and stopped. A young female was observed in the passenger’s side seat. Suddenly Bowles accelerated in an attempt to flee. Due to the nature of the crimes Bowles was wanted for, and for the safety of the 15-year-old victim, the Trooper and Deputies were authorized to pursue.
Bowles was driving recklessly and at a high rate of speed. At the intersection of Trent and Argonne, Bowles almost came to a stop due to the heavy congestion but, he suddenly turned, crossed over a large cement median, and into the oncoming eastbound lanes of travel.
Continuing to drive without regard for anyone’s safety, including the juvenile victim or his own, Bowles turned north on Argonne. With the amount of traffic, Deputies lost sight of the Trailblazer near Argonne and Knox.
Several additional law enforcement patrol units swarmed the area to try and locate Bowles and the victim.
Spokane Valley Patrol Sergeant Justin Palmer observed two people walking south on Center Road from Mission a few minutes later. He turned his vehicle around to check on the pair and noticed they had quickened their pace and turned west on Maxwell Avenue.
As Sergeant Palmer approached, he noticed the pair was a male and a much shorter female. Knowing Bowles was reported as armed and dangerous, Sergeant Palmer illuminated them, quickly identified himself as law enforcement, and asked them to turn around while showing their hands. As they did, Sergeant Palmer immediately recognized Bowles and ordered him to place his hands on a nearby fence and asked for his name. Bowles replied “Conner” before he took off, running across the street.
Sergeant Palmer advised he needed emergency assistance and quickly caught up to Bowles, who resisted arrest. Sergeant Palmer deployed his OC spray, but it did not have the desired effect, and Bowles began assaulting Sergeant Palmer, punching him twice. Sergeant Palmer swiftly gained control and took Bowles to the ground, but Bowles continued to fight, pulling his arms toward his waistline. Additional force was needed to gain control of Bowles’ hands.
Additional Deputies arrived, and Bowles was taken into custody without further incident. He was provided medical treatment at the scene for OC exposure and medically cleared.
The juvenile female victim was taken into protective custody, provided food, and reunited with her family later in the evening.
Bowles was transported and booked into the Spokane County Jail for new charges of Attempting to Elude a Law Enforcement Vehicle, Assault 3rd Degree, Kidnapping 2nd Degree, Possession of a Stolen Motor Vehicle, Resisting Arrest, and Obstructing. He also faces extradition back to Idaho for his charges there.
The stolen Trailblazer was located on N. Ely Road, south of Indiana Avenue. It was seized and towed as evidence pending a search warrant.
This remains an active investigation as Spokane Valley, Spokane County Sheriff’s Office, and Washington State Patrol Investigators continue to work with Lewiston Police Department and other Idaho agencies. Additional charges are possible pending the outcome.