BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — Within an hour of police responding to a call about a wanted suspect, the Air-1 helicopter was able to locate a fleeing man.
The suspect-- Joshua Bowers, had many outstanding warrants and fled from police when approached near Main and Franklin Street in the Village of North Collins on December 20th around lunchtime.
Bowers was accompanied by 29-year-old Layna Jimerson. After both fleeing from police, Jimerson was located a short time after near Railroad Avenue and is now in custody for possession of heroin and is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance.
Erie County Sheriff and the Gowanda Police Department used the Air-1 infrared camera to locate Bowers in the woods off of Thiel Road. Deputies and the K9 unit found Bowers and apprehended him.
"The capabilities of Air-1 and the skill of its crew are vital to this community," Erie County Sheriff Timothy B. Howard said. "Whether it is rescuing two young boys from Zoar Valley, a man from the brink of the falls, fishermen stranded on the ice or searching for dangerous suspects, Air-1 and its long-term future remain a top priority of my office and should be one for this community.”
Bowers is charged with obstruction of governmental administration, two felony charges of grand larceny and criminal possession of stolen property of a credit card and two misdemeanor charges of stolen property and petit larceny. Bowers was also arrested for outstanding warrants from Cheektowaga Police, Hamburg Police, and Cattaraugus Sheriff’s Office.
