Lee Trawick
Reporter2@riverbendnews.org
On Monday, Aug. 8, Hamilton County Sheriff's Office 911 dispatch center received a call about someone driving recklessly in the area of Hamilton County High School on 55th Drive. Deputy Fouraker responded to the call. On his way, he observed that someone had recently spun out in two different places. As he arrived in the area, he noticed the vehicle that was described as the suspect vehicle was a black Ford Fiesta. As he approached the vehicle, it appeared to be stopped. However, as Deputy Fouraker approached the vehicle, it began to pull forward onto the pavement and stopped again on the yellow lines between lanes. Deputy Fouraker then engaged his lights to initiate a traffic stop. This signal prompted the subject Henry Dowling IV to yell at Deputy Fouraker, "Don't do it, man!" Dowling sped off when Deputy Fouraker engaged his sirens and pursued the suspect.
During the chase, Dowling taunted Deputy Fouraker by taking a shotgun and pointing it out the driver's window, also running a stop sign on 107th Ave. After the chase continued, Dowling saw Deputy Stephens approaching from up ahead, causing Dowling to try and turn around. While trying to turn around, he pointed his shotgun at Deputy Stephens. At the same time, Deputy Stephens made contact with the driver's side of Dowling's vehicle with the front of his car. Deputy Fouraker also made contact with Dowling's vehicle on the other side.
Deputy Fouraker then exited his vehicle to apprehend Dowling and take him into custody without further incident. He was transported to the Hamilton County jail, where Dowling admitted that it was not his car or weapon. It was later determined that while the vehicle was not reported as stolen, the shotgun was reported as stolen. Also, Dowling had two active warrants for his arrest in Polk County and Tampa.
Dowling is charged with reckless driving at this time.