The juvenile runaway who triggered a local BOLO alert Thursday afternoon is now facing escape and theft charges in connection with the incident.
According to Emporia Police, 16-year-old Benjamin Bowman was apprehended in the 1100 block of East Street late Thursday afternoon after he had been identified as a runaway juvenile from Haysville, Kansas. EPD says the incident developed after Bowman, who was transported to juvenile intake to wait for transfer to a new facility, slipped out of his handcuffs and allegedly fled the facility.
Officers would attempt to apprehend Bowman but were initially unable to locate him. Hours later, officers would obtain a search warrant for an apartment in the 1100 block of East Street, where Bowman was located and apprehended.
Bowman was taken into custody, as was 24-year-old Tyler May, who was also in the residence at the time. May was arrested on suspicion of contributing to a child’s misconduct.
Bowman, meanwhile, was arrested on suspicion of escape from custody and theft. Formal charges are currently pending.
