FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 31, 2011

Contact:   Jim Skinner, (972) 548-4362

Anna Shooting Spree Subject Sentenced to 30 Years in Prison

(McKINNEY, Texas) – On March 25, 2011, Collin County prosecutors sought and obtained felony convictions on the man who went on a shooting spree in a residential neighborhood in Anna, Texas in September 2008.  The accused, Erik Bowen, was charged with two counts of Deadly Conduct (for shooting in the direction of a habitation), and one count of Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon.  Following a two-day trial, a state district judge sentenced Bowen to 30 years in prison on the Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon charge, and 15 years on each count of Deadly Conduct.  “Violent behavior will not be tolerated in Collin County,” said Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis.  “We will continue to rid our community of those who threaten law-abiding citizens.”

What happened – Good Samaritan Chased Armed Gunman While Being Fired Upon

On September 1, 2008, residents in The Falls subdivision in Anna, Texas celebrated the end of the summer with a neighborhood pool party.  Later that night, while attempting to shut her garage door, a homeowner observed a man run out of her garage.  Her husband and his friend went outside to investigate and walked down the street where they heard dogs barking.  As the husband approached a location between two houses, Erik Bowen stood up from behind an air conditioner unit and shot at him two times (missing the husband) and then ran past him and down the street.  Bowen continued shooting at the husband as he chased Bowen down the street.  Two stray bullets penetrated neighboring houses; one passing through a garage door, breaking out the back window of a vehicle and the other bullet passing through a front window of a home, and eventually stopping inside a filing cabinet.

The pursing husband/Good Samaritan eventually caught Bowen in the foot chase and a struggle ensued.  Bowen then bit the husband in the abdomen and struck him several time in the head with the firearm.  Moments later, the husband’s friend came to his aid and Bowen ran away yet again.  Several witnesses to the incident testified to hearing gunshots and seeing Bowen drive away in a green Ford Explorer.

The Back Story – Subject Intended to Harass Ex-Wife but Entered Wrong House

Law enforcement authorities believed Bowen was in the neighborhood to harass and intimidate his ex-wife and her new boyfriend who were living in The Falls subdivision.  Bowen was seen in the neighborhood days before the shooting, driving the same vehicle, and acting suspiciously.  After the shooting, Bowen sent incriminating text messages to his ex-wife.  During the course of the trial, Assistant District Attorney Zeke Fortenberry called 15 witnesses to the stand, including City of Anna police officers, Collin County Sheriff crime scene investigators, the victims, and assorted neighbors who witnessed the events.

District Attorney Willis praised the Anna Police Department and Collin County Sheriff’s Office for their two-month-long investigation that resulted in Bowen’s capture.  Willis was also clear to point out that he would never advocate civilians chasing armed intruders, but called the actions of the pursuing homeowner “courageous.”