On April 22, 2017 at approximately 6:25 p.m., troopers from Troop G - Bridgeport conducted a traffic stop on I-95 northbound Exit 27.  Troopers stopped the vehicle, which was operated by Robert W. Bowens (DOB: 08/08/83) of 1147 Ogden Street Extension in Bridgeport for motor vehicle violations.

      Through the course of the traffic stop troopers determined the vehicle contained contraband, and Bowens granted troopers consent to search the motor vehicle. 

      Troopers located several illegal items contained within the vehicle.  At that time, Troopers gave Mr. Bowens verbal commands in order to detain him.  Upon learning of his impending arrest, Bowens attempted to flee.  Troopers gave chase and during this chase, they attempted to deploy a taser on Bowens, however, it was ineffective. 

      An intense struggle ensued on the highway and at some point during this struggle, Bowens produced a firearm.  Troopers fought to control his arm holding the firearm.  After a long struggle they were able to knock the firearm from Bowens’ control.  Bowens’ family members eventually arrived on scene and were yelling at the troopers during the fight. 

      Bowens was able to break free and jump into a grey Infiniti SUV, possibly operated by his family members, then attempted to drive the wrong way down I-95, northbound, at the Exit 27 on-ramp. Bowens and the operator of the Infiniti were met by backup troopers arriving on scene.  The Infiniti operator then changed direction and once again drove the wrong way onto the Route 8 southbound Exit 1 connector to I-95 northbound. 

      Bowens was able to escape as they drove northbound in the southbound flyover of Route 8.  Troopers received minor abrasions due to their struggle with Bowens.  The investigation included several different jurisdictions assisting with attempting to locate Bowens.  

     Bowens, a convicted felon, was charged with  Criminal Attempt Assault 1st degree (2 counts), Assaulting a Police Officer (2 counts), Reckless Driving, Criminal Possession of a Firearm, Weapons in a Motor Vehicle, Possessing a Pistol Without a Permit, Criminal Possession of Ammunition and Criminal Possession of an Electronic Defense Weapon.  Bowens was held  on a court set bond of $500,000.  In addition, there were two Violation of Probation Warrants, each with a $100,000 court set bond.  Bowens was remanded into custody for arraignment at Bridgeport Superior Court later this morning.

     The combined efforts of all the participating law enforcement agencies in attempting to locate this subject needs to be recognized and commended.  The arrest was made with the assistance of  U.S. Marshal led Connecticut Violent Fugitive Task Force and the Bridgeport Police Department.