LOWER CHICHESTER TWP, PA — A man faces multiple charges after a Lower Chichester Township police officer allegedly observed him fleeing a retail store with merchandise before recovering a firearm and suspected narcotics during an arrest.
Police reported that an officer on patrol at approximately 12:17 p.m. on June 1 observed a masked man running from the parking lot of the Family Dollar store on Market Street carrying what appeared to be boxes of merchandise.
According to investigators, the officer moved toward Summit Avenue, where the man was headed. Police said the suspect noticed the officer, abandoned the items and fled back toward the business.
A brief foot pursuit followed, according to police, ending behind a residence in the 1500 block of Chichester Avenue. During the chase, investigators allege the suspect removed a firearm from his pocket and threw it behind a trash can.
Police reported that the suspect was taken into custody without further incident and that officers recovered the firearm, along with suspected controlled substances and drug paraphernalia.
Authorities identified the suspect as Shawn Bowman. According to police, further investigation determined that merchandise valued at more than $100 had been removed from the store.
Bowman has been charged with possession of a firearm prohibited, firearms not to be carried without a license, possession of an instrument of crime with intent, retail theft, receiving stolen property, evading arrest or detention on foot, disorderly conduct, possession of a controlled substance, use or possession of drug paraphernalia, and criminal mischief.
Court records related to Bowman’s preliminary hearing and bail conditions were not included in the information released by police.
All suspects, arrestees, and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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