Ontario Councilmember Jim Bowman Arrested on Suspicion of DUI and Hit-and-Run in Southern California

In a recent turn of events, Ontario City Councilmember Jim Bowman was placed under arrest on suspicion of DUI and a hit-and-run incident. The occurrence dates back to July 8, 2024, with reports of the collision coming in at approximately 5:05 p.m. around the vicinity of Euclid Avenue and Mission Boulevard in Southern California, as KTLA reported. Following witness testimony, police determined that Bowman was the driver responsible for the accident and fled the scene shortly after the incident.

According to the Ontario Police Department's press release, a second call was made by Bowman himself a minute after the first, requesting police assistance from a different location. Upon officers' arrival at Locust Street and Laurel Avenue, Bowman was apprehended. Both the councilman and the other driver involved were transported to a hospital for injuries that were reported as non-life-threatening.

Further to the information provided by authorities, NBC Los Angeles detailed that Bowman did not render aid or identification at the crash scene. This led to his subsequent arrest at his residence after officials traced him down. Currently, the case awaits an independent review by the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office.

Jim Bowman is a longstanding figure in the Ontario City Council, with his tenure dating back to April 1986. Despite an eight-year hiatus during which time he served within the fire department sphere, his current term on the council was projected to run through December 2026. The City of Ontario has withheld comments on the incident, citing the ongoing investigation. Entities with any pertinent information are encouraged to contact the Ontario Police Department or Officer Jeff Holcombe directly or to report anonymously via WE-TIP.