By JAMES MITCHELL
Sunday Times Newspapers
LINCOLN PARK — A 39-year-old parolee pleaded guilty last week to felony carjacking, and awaits a May 14 sentencing date in Wayne County Circuit Court.
Christopher Lee Bowens attempted in March to take a vehicle away from an 81-year-old Korean War veteran at the Mobil gas station at the intersection of Fort and Goddard streets. Bowens has previous convictions for weapons and breaking and entering charges, and faces stiffer penalties when sentenced.
Police responded on Saturday, March 24 to reports of an attempted armed robbery at the gas station, and of a man running along Ecorse Creek. Bowens surrendered without incident when cornered by police, and admitted to having thrown a knife in the creek.
At the gas station, police interviewed Barney Trusewicz, who resisted Bowens’ attempt to car-jack his 2012 Ford Fusion. Trusewicz was inside the station when Bowens climbed into the Fusion, threatening 78-year-old Constance Trusewicz with a knife.
Trusewicz returned and grabbed Bowens’ arm while turning off the ignition before Bowens could drive away. Following a short struggle, Bowens left and ran towards the creek.
Several witnesses at the gas station described the encounter to police, including a description of the heavily-tattooed Bowens.
Prior to the attempted car-jacking, Bowens had been a resident of a halfway house on Goddard Road since being paroled in December 2011. He was held in Wayne County Jail without bond as a habitual offender.
Bowens pleaded guilty Monday to one count of car-jacking; a second count was dismissed by Wayne County Circuit Court Judge Carole Youngblood.