Big Bear, CA, July 16, 2015 – Shortly after 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, deputies of the Big Bear Sheriff’s Station responded to a burglary in progress at a residence in the 700 block of E. Maltby Blvd. in Big Bear City. The homeowner reported a male subject had attempted to break in to the victim’s garage through a side door. When the victim called out to him, the male subject fled the location. The homeowner was able to maintain visual observations on the subject as he called 9-1-1.
A deputy made contact with the male subject, identified as 41-year-old Eric Bower, a few blocks from the residence. Bower immediately became agitated and combative with the deputy upon initial contact. A struggle ensued, wherein Bower obtained the deputy’s baton and struck him with it. The deputy was able to control Bower and took him into custody without further incident. Both the deputy and suspect were treated at a local hospital for their injuries.
Suspect Eric Bower was arrested on felony charges of burglary and assault with a deadly weapon on a peace officer, pending a court hearing.
