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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
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- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 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
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Muskogee Police Department has lost 8 officers; 6 of them killed feloniously.
Charles is one of 403 officers killed feloniously in OK, 69.2% of the 582 remembered there.
Charles is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Charles is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1927, 1 officer at Muskogee Police Department was killed feloniously, the 2nd heaviest of 5 years on record. The heaviest was 1934, with 2.
In 1927, 11 officers in OK were killed feloniously, the 5th heaviest of 114 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 15.
In 1927, 220 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 6th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1927, 222 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 9th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Charles was 51. Of the 6 killed feloniously at Muskogee Police Department whose age is recorded, half were between 46.3 and 50.8; the middle age was 50. Charles had served 16 years; the middle length of service was 9 years.
Charles was 51. Of the 335 killed feloniously in OK whose age is recorded, half were between 34 and 49; the middle age was 42. Charles had served 16 years; the middle length of service was 4 years.
Charles was 51. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Charles had served 16 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Charles was 51. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Charles had served 16 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
June holds 16.7% of these deaths at Muskogee Police Department; December holds the most, 50%. Sundays: 50%.
June holds 11.4% of these deaths in OK, more than any other month. Sundays: 18.6%.
June holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Sundays: 15.2%.
June holds 8.2% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Sundays: 15.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 75% of all 8 deaths at Muskogee Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 16.7% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 69.2% of all 582 deaths in OK, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 6.2% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 5.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 5.2% of these deaths.
His people
Muskogee Police Department has 8 officers remembered here, Charles among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 40-W
Others Who Wore This Badge
7 officers from Muskogee Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
