Princeton man gets gun, drug charges after hit-and-run crash

A Princeton man was arrested Wednesday night after police said he fled the scene of a crash, abandoned a vehicle, brandished a weapon and later resisted officers.

Princeton Police said officers were called to a hit-and-run collision at West Market and Seminary streets.

Police said one of the vehicles left the crash scene, then the driver abandoned it a few blocks away. Police said 56-year-old Jessie Bowles, of Princeton, was stopped by people in the area until officers arrived.

Witnesses reportedly told police that before officers arrived, Bowles was armed with a pistol and had brandished it toward the bystanders.

Officers located the pistol and said Bowles resisted arrest and acted disorderly while being handcuffed and transported.

Police searched Bowles' vehicle and reported finding another firearm, open containers of alcohol, and marijuana.

Police later determined that the vehicle belonged to a family member, who told officers Bowles did not have permission to take it.

Bowles was lodged in the Caldwell County Jail.

His charges included wanton endangerment; disorderly conduct; resisting arrest; leaving the scene of an accident and DUI with an aggravating circumstance.