He was known as Bowman the Showman when he ice skated in the 1980s and early 1990s. He played Benjamin in the TV series ‘Little House on the Prairie.?
Now, Christopher Bowman, 37, has been charged with assault at his apartment in the Village of Lake Orion. The incident took place on Oct. 27.
According to LO Police Chief Jerry Narsh, the dispatch center received a call at 10:49 p.m. The caller said a friend of hers had reported to her that she had been at Bowman’s apartment where he had pointed a handgun at her.
Narsh said the victim was about 40, was a good friend of Bowman’s and also a Lake Orion resident. She told police she had expected Bowman to come to her house that night, but got worried when he didn’t show up.
The woman went to his apartment, where she said Bowman buzzed her through the front door. He then asked her who she was before he let her into his apartment.
Narsh said when the victim stepped into the apartment, she noticed Bowman was standing to the right of her and was pointing a gun directly at her.
According to Narsh, the woman became frightened and quickly left. Bowman didn’t try to stop her She called her friend over an hour and a half later and told her about the incident.
Police, before going to Bowman’s apartment, talked to nearby neighbors in the building to see if Bowman was still at home.
One neighbor told police she heard a loud bang 30 minutes before they arrived. Officers knocked on the door and when they heard no response, they forced the door open.
According to Narsh, items had been placed against the door. Once in the apartment, officers called for Bowman and there was no answer. They found him sleeping in the bedroom. He was arrested without any problems.
Officers found no evidence that a gun had been fired.
‘The investigation revealed alcohol was a factor,? Narsh said.
Bowman was arraigned at Rochester’s 52/3 District Court on Oct. 28. He was charged with one count of felonious assault ( a four year felony) and one count of possession of a firearm while intoxicated (90 day misdemeanor).
His bond was set at $10,000 and he was released. Bowman’s pre-exam took place Nov. 3.
‘Once again firearms and alcohol don’t mix,? Narsh said. ‘Sometimes having firearms extremely accessible while intoxicated can create legal trouble.
‘I’m pleased at the officers? response and handling of the matter and that no one was injured.?
Bowman was a Junior World champion in ice skating, a Nationals medalist in 1987 and 1989 and a World silver and bronze medalist. He was an Olympic team member in 1988 and 1992. Bowman has also been a commentator on Fox Sports.