An Ontario City Councilmember was arrested this month for an alleged hit-and-run and suspected intoxication while driving.
The arrest was confirmed in a press release issued by Ontario Police on July 11. It reads in part:
On July 8, 2024 at 5:05 p.m., Ontario Dispatch received 911 calls about a traffic accident in the area of Euclid Avenue and Mission Boulevard. Witnesses said two vehicles had been involved, but one vehicle left the scene of the accident.
At 5:06 p.m., Dispatch received a 911 call from the involved party who reportedly left the scene. The collar requested police aid and clarified they were in the area of. Locust Street and Laurel Avenue. Additional officers went to the second location where they contacted the driver, later identified as Ontario City Councilmember Jim Bowman.
An Ontario traffic investigator responded to the scene and began a thorough investigation of the incident. Councilmember Bowman was determined to be at fault and was placed under arrest.
Both the involved party and Councilmember Bowman were transported to a local area hospital for evaluation and treatment. Per Penal Code 849 (b) (1), Councilmember Bowman was released from custody at the hospital, pending further investigation. The other involved party was treated for non-life-threatening injuries and was also released from the hospital.
Councilmember Bowman remains under investigation for being in violation of VC 23153(G) - driving under the influence and VC 20001 (A) - hit and run with injuries. The case will be submitted to the San Bernardino county District attorneys office for independent review.>>
Councilmember Bowman was present at a meeting of the city council following his arrest. Concerns were raised about a potential conflict-of-interest arising from the Ontario Police Department’s involvment in the investigation.
Read more here.