MITCHELL — A local man is facing criminal charges after surveillance footage allegedly captured him entering a downtown establishment and punching a patron in the face without provocation.
Justin Scott Bowden, 38, of Mitchell, has been charged with battery and disorderly conduct, both Class B misdemeanors, following an investigation by the Mitchell Police Department.
The investigation began late on the night of February 6, 2026, when Sergeant Garrett Jacobs was called to the Railroad Cafe & Lounge at 505 West Main Street. Upon arrival, police encountered Bowden’s mother, who was attempting to confront bar management regarding an earlier altercation involving her son.
According to the probable cause affidavit, the woman claimed her son had been “choked” during a dispute with another patron. However, surveillance video provided by the establishment told a different story.
The man who oversees the bar’s operations presented Sergeant Jacobs with security footage from earlier that evening. The video reportedly showed Bowden entering the bar from Main Street in an “erratic fashion.”
Bowden approached the bar area where another male patron was located. Bowden allegedly strikes the male patron in the face with his left hand.
The footage further showed a male bouncer grabbing Bowden from behind to de-escalate the situation as the male patron stood up to confront Bowden.
Following the review of the footage, police issued “No Trespass” orders for both Bowden and his mother. While the woman signed the paperwork on the night of the incident, authorities noted they could not locate Bowden to formally serve him his notice.
On February 23, 2026, Mitchell Police Chief Troy Lobosky met with the male patron at his home. The victim officially signed a battery affidavit, confirming his intent to press criminal charges against Bowden for the assault.
The Mitchell Police Department has submitted the case to the Lawrence County Prosecutor’s Office for review and the issuance of a summons or warrant. That warrant was granted, and Bowden was arrested on April 13, 2026, on charges of battery and disorderly conduct.
All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. This article is based on the information provided in the probable cause affidavit and does not represent a final determination of guilt or innocence.
