Residents in Village and Town of North Collins Urged to Stay Vigilant

Buffalo, NY – Erie County Sheriff Timothy B. Howard is reporting that the Sheriff’s Office is searching for 29-year-old Joshua Bowers after he fled from Deputies around 1:40 P.M. in the Village of North Collins.

Bowers is wanted on multiple outstanding warrants from various counties and is known to carry a gun.  The subject was last seen fleeing the scene at Franklin and Main streets in the Village of North Collins.

Bowers is 5’8”, 188 pounds with a thin beard and was wearing a blue/green jacket with a hood and a backpack.  He is considered dangerous and has resisted and fought with law enforcement in the past.

Sheriff Howard is urging residents to lock their doors and avoid contact with any unknown individuals.  If anyone sees a suspicious individual or activity, they are urged not to approach and call 9-1-1 immediately.

Sheriff’s Air-1 and other assets have been deployed to the area to assist with the search.  The School Resource Officer is working with the North Collins School District to implement its lockdown procedures.

** UPDATE **

Buffalo, NY – Erie County Sheriff Timothy B. Howard announces a K9 Team and Deputies apprehended Joshua Bowers at approximately 2:45 P.M. after the subject was spotted by Air-1. 

Deputies continue to be in the area conducting their investigation.  However, the Sheriff’s Office is reporting no further threat to residents.