CPD to hold service for fallen officer
Officer Molly Thomas-Bowden died during a routine traffic stop.
Published Feb. 9, 2009
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Beverly Thomas, mother of former Columbia Police Department Officer Molly Thomas-Bowden, places flowers at her daughter's grave Tuesday. A procession of about 30 emergency vehicles followed a brief ceremony on Nifong Blvd., where Thomas-Bowden was wounded during a traffic stop. Thomas-Bowden passed away Feb. 10, 2005 as a result of her injuries. "It's awesome what this city and the people here have done for our daughter, for our family and for the department. There are people who don't have something like this to remember those they lost, and I grieve for them," David Thomas said.
In honor of fallen officer Molly Thomas-Bowden, the Columbia Police Department will be holding a memorial service at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday.
Thomas-Bowden died four years ago Tuesday after being shot Jan. 10, 2005, CPD Capt. Zim Schwartze said. She was performing a routine traffic stop around 10 p.m. with a vehicle driving just east of Forum Boulevard on Nifong. After briefly speaking to the driver, the driver pulled out a gun and shot at Thomas-Bowden.
She sought cover and retreated, but he got out of the car and fired a second round and continued shooting at close range after she felld, Schwartze said. Thomas-Bowden was rushed to the hospital where she fought for one month before dying.
The shooter, Richard T. Evans, was found near his parents' house in west Columbia the following morning. Officers were pursuing Evans on foot when he shot officer Curtis Brown in the bicep. After shooting Brown, Evans shot and killed himself.
Police still don’t know Evans' motive, but Schwartze said Evans' was deeply disturbed.
Brown made a full recovery and is now a detective in the department.
Schwartze said he is confident the memorial services to Thomas-Bowden will continue. The department still gets a good response from the community, and many officers and community members were close to Thomas-Bowden. Citizens still lay flowers on her grave or stop at her memorial to reflect, Schwartze said.
"Obviously, Molly was a part of our family, and she gave the ultimate sacrifice for our community," she said. "It's important for us to remember her in whatever way we feel comfortable."
Those wishing to take part in the service can gather at the intersection of Nifong and Forum boulevards, where a brief speech will be made on her behalf. A vehicle procession will then go to Memorial Park Cemetery where flowers will be laid on Thomas-Bowden's gravesite. All citizens are welcome at the remembrance.
Schwartze said the first memorial four years ago received an overwhelming response from the community. She said the death of Thomas-Bowden made the community realize how dangerous a police officer's job is.
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