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Residents press for independent probe and possible censure after councilman’s alleged hit-and-run; council takes no formal action
Summary
Multiple residents and community groups used the public-comment period to urge an independent investigation and potential censure or suspension of Councilmember Bowman following allegations of a hit-and-run and suspected DUI; the council did not take formal action at the meeting but asked a police captain to speak with a complainant.
Several residents and local organizations used the public-comment period to press the Ontario City Council to seek an independent investigation and possible disciplinary action after public accounts of an alleged hit-and-run involving Councilmember Jim Bowman.
Tina Silva told the council she was concerned about "preferential treatment" and asked that the case be turned over to the state attorney general rather than handled locally. Steven May, president of the Greater Ontario Democratic Club, described "preferential treatment" during the arrest and called for at minimum a censure and potential stripping of committee assignments if the facts warrant it.
Others urged suspension or formal censure and emphasized the need for transparency. Ted Brunette of the Pomona Valley NAACP said Bowman "needs help" and suggested suspension pending treatment; representatives of the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) and local Latino community groups asked for full transparency and public release of records related to the incident.
Speakers also alleged that police handling and custody were inconsistent with how ordinary residents are treated. One resident asked that the arrest record be produced as a public-record request. Council members did not vote or take formal disciplinary action during the meeting. The mayor asked that Captain Ritchie speak with a complainant to gather more information.
The council did not announce any formal investigation, referral, or internal discipline at the meeting; multiple commenters urged the council to act in the name of accountability and transparency. The city manager and staff did not announce any next steps or actions by the council on these requests during this session.
