Photo courtesy of Sonora PD
“25-year-old Andre Alexander Bowen of Sonora and 30-year-old Michael Gary Smith of Pioneer were arrested Saturday night following an investigation into an assault at a downtown bar.
Just before 10:30 pm on February 24, 2024, SPD officers responded to the 100 block of South Washington Street to investigate a reported assault. Officers contacted two subjects who stated they were attacked by two male subjects and a female subject inside the bar. Officers later located the subjects, identified as Bowen and Smith, matching the descriptions given by the victims. Bowen and Smith initially tried walking away from the officers but were taken into custody for the reported battery. Following the arrest, Bowen was found to be in possession of a device believed to be metal knuckles and a loaded .38 caliber handgun illegally concealed on his person, both felonies in California.
Smith is facing charges for battery, and Bowen is facing charges for battery along with multiple weapons charges. Aspects of this investigation are ongoing.
‘Individuals identified herein were arrested on suspicion of the crimes for which they have been charged. All such charges are merely accusations, and all defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.'”
