Unanswered Questions about Tulare Officer Involved Shooting

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- It's been nearly a week since Joe Bowles was shot and killed. His family, who call him Eddie, is talking to Action News because they say investigators are not telling them anything about what happened Tuesday night.

"I personally don't understand"

Five days after her cousin's son, 25-year-old Eddie Bowles was shot and killed by a Porterville police officer, Doreen Lacey says her family is still trying to figure out what led to his death.

"They have not said one word except for they couldn't tell anything until the investigation was completely over and said that would be 24 to 48 hours and it was since last Tuesday night that he was shot."

Bowles had a criminal record that included burglary and drug possession.

The Porterville police officer who shot him is a member of the Tulare County Reduce Auto Theft Task Force.

He and another officer from the California Highway Patrol approached Bowles outside this Tulare gym Tuesday night. The officers following Eddie that night say he was trying to break into cars in this parking lot.

When he saw them, officers say he started to run, which turned into a struggle, which eventually led to him being shot.

"If the officer felt threatened enough to shoot, he should have already said how he felt threatened, why he felt threatened and some answers should be given to the family. It should not wait this long."

Investigators have not released many details about the shooting, including whether or not Bowles was even armed.

Meanwhile, the family says they're desperate for closure, as they prepare to lay Eddie to rest. "We don't want him buried Tuesday and have no answers, have no answers, why."

Over the past five days, Action News has made repeated calls to the Tulare Police Department regarding Tuesday's shooting. So far they have refused to comment on camera.

Eddie will be buried Tuesday morning at the North Cemetery in Tulare.



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