TONASKET, Wash. — Okanogan County Sheriff’s detectives made an arrest in connection with a homicide/arson investigation from June 3, 2019.
According to Okanogan Sheriff Tony Hawley, the investigation began after Aeneas Valley Fire District 16 responded to a car fire on Frosty Creek Road in Tonasket. Firefighters put out the fire and found a burned body in the trunk of the car. Hawley said the remains were burnt beyond recognition.
During the investigation, Hawley said Sergeant Everett and Deputy Holloway contacted Lance Bowers, 37, who pulled a firearm and was shot by deputies. He said Everett also used K9 Havoc. Neither deputy was injured during the confrontation.
Those deputies were later found justified in their use of force by the North Central Washington Special Investigations Unit.
Bowers was airlifted to Central Washington Hospital and was treated and released. He was booked into Chelan County Regional Jail and later transferred to Okanogan County Jail for first degree unlawful possession of a firearm.
Hawley said the Okanogan County Coroner’s Office did an autopsy on the body found in the car. He said the results were still inconclusive for the identity, but the victim was determined to be female.
DNA evidence was sent to the Washington State Patrol crime laboratory. Hawley said the victim was identified as Angela M. Bowers. He said she was married to Lance and has been listed as a missing person since June 17, 2019.
On Wednesday, Hawley said Lance was arrested for first degree murder and second-degree arson while still in the Okanogan County Jail. He is being held on a $1.5 million bond.
