A Maryland man, who was initially released from custody without having to post bail, is accused of returning to his alleged victim’s home and attacking her once more, officials report.
James Bowman III, 40, was taken into custody on November 7 in Waldorf, Maryland, following charges of domestic assault. The Charles County Sheriff’s Office alleges that Bowman punched a woman in the face and bit her hand.
Despite these serious allegations, Bowman was released from the Charles County Detention Center on his own recognizance by a district court commissioner. This decision meant he was not required to pay bail.
The terms of his release explicitly stipulated that he was not to harm the woman he is accused of assaulting.
Tragically, just an hour after his release, authorities allege Bowman returned to the woman’s residence and attacked her again while she was holding a toddler. Despite the chaotic scene, the victim managed to call 911 and sought refuge in a bedroom, locking the door behind her. However, according to the sheriff’s office, Bowman allegedly broke through the door. The distress call to 911 was made at approximately 12:52 a.m. on November 8.
One hour after Bowman was released, authorities claim he returned to the woman’s house and assaulted her as she was holding a toddler. The woman was able to call 911 and get inside a bedroom to lock the door, but Bowman allegedly forced the door open. The sheriff’s office said the woman called 911 at around 12:52 a.m. on Nov. 8.
Bowman continued to assault the woman as she tried to place the toddler on a nearby bed, the sheriff’s office said, adding that he allegedly hit the child in the forehead.
Officials said Bowman returned to his residence, located within a townhouse community, and allegedly assaulted the victim again. (Google Maps)
Officials said Bowman’s second alleged assault happened just six hours after he first was accused of hitting the woman.
A Charles County Sheriff’s Office truck in Maryland. (Charles County Sheriff’s Office)
The woman “had visible injuries and was covered in blood,” the sheriff’s office said.
Bowman was charged with assault and child abuse. A judge ordered him to be held without bond.
