Roll of Honor
Incident
Captain Charles Bowman was shot and killed with his own service weapon while struggling with an intoxicated subject. He and the police chief were patrolling the city when they spotted a suspicious vehicle parked next to a filling station.
They discovered two intoxicated men sleeping in the vehicle. When the men were woken up they immediately began struggling with the two officers. At some point during the struggle Captain Bowman drew his service weapon and it was grabbed by the suspect. As the two struggled for the weapon it discharged, striking Captain Bowman in the leg. The round severed an artery, causing him to bleed to death in a matter of moments.
The police chief called for an ambulance and then took both men into custody.
Captain Bowman had served with the Muskogee Police Department for 16 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and two sons, one who was a motorcycle patrolman.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-OK-6931215F- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Captain Bowman gave the Muskogee Police Department 16 years.
Thank you for your service to the Muskogee community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Captain Bowman.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Captain Charles Wilson Bowman is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 54.2% of all 32,508 officers honored here.
In OK, 403 of 582 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 69.2% of this state's fallen. That is 15 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Muskogee Police Department, 6 of 8 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 75% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Charles Wilson Bowman's cause is highlighted.
How Charles Wilson Bowman Compares
Offender Outcome
Arrested
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Charles Wilson Bowman is highlighted in Jun.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Charles Wilson Bowman was killed by officer's handgun.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
7 officers from Muskogee Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
