On October 12, 2025, at 1:37 a.m. Gibson County Deputy Levi Sims conducted a traffic stop on a Silver 2017 Audi S7 for conducting an unsafe lane movement on US 41 near County 225 North. Upon approaching the vehicle Deputy Sims identified the driver as 39-year-old Frederick Bowers of Tarboro, North Carolina. During a roadside investigation law enforcement detected the odor of alcohol coming from Mr. Bowers and DUI investigation. At the conclusion of the investigation Mr. Bowers was taken into custody, and law enforcement officers began to speak with a passenger, 27-year-old Jediah West of Vincennes. While speaking with Ms. West a stolen .380 Caliber handgun was recovered from her possession. After both occupants of the vehicle were taken into custody an inventory of the vehicle revealed a second handgun found in the vehicle. At the conclusion of the roadside investigation both individuals were taken into custody and transported to the Gibson County Detention Center. Upon arriving at the Detention Center Mr. Bowers was charged with Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated/Endangerment and Possession of a Firearm by a Serious Violent Felon. Ms. West was charged with Theft of a Firearm.
Deputy Levi Sims was assisted in his investigation by Deputy Wyatt Hunt and Princeton Sgt. Ben Kiesel and Officer Jackie Wood.
All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
