An off-duty Boise Police officer who was riding his bicycle in Caldwell yesterday afternoon, training for an upcoming bike race, was seriously injured by a hit-and-run driver; police are searching for the driver, identified as a Caucasian female with long dark hair, driving a maroon Pontiac Grand Am, a 2001 or newer model with a spoiler and two fog lights in the rear bumper; the vehicle sustained damage to the left front fender and hood. The officer, Chris Cowling, 46, a 10-year BPD veteran, is in serious condition at St. Alphonsus Regional Medical Center in Boise; he's the recipient of the department's Lifesaving Award for saving a 76-year-old man who collapsed at the Boise Airport security checkpoint in 2009. Click below for the full news release from the Boise and Caldwell police.

Boise Police Department
News Release
Michael F. Masterson
Chief of Police

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 02, 2011

09-02-11 BPD Officer Seriously Injured in Hit & Run

    Boise, Sept. 2, 2011 - Boise Police are urging anyone with information on a hit and run collision that occurred yesterday afternoon in Caldwell to provide that information immediately to investigating officers with Caldwell Police.

    The victim in the Caldwell hit and run is a Boise Police Officer, a ten-year veteran of the Boise Police Airport Unit.

    The officer is hospitalized in serious condition at St. Alphonsus Regional Medical Center in Boise.

    What Happened: According to Caldwell Police, Officer Chris Cowling was off-duty Thursday afternoon and riding his bicycle near W. Beech Street and Manchester Drive. Shortly after 1:00 p.m., Officer Cowling was hit by maroon Pontiac Grand Am with a female driver. The driver of the car left the scene prior to police arriving.

    About Officer Chris Cowling: Officer Cowling, 46,is an avid cyclist who often competes in races and triathlons. According to his family, he was training for an upcoming bike race when the hit and run occurred. Officer Cowling lives with his wife and five children in Caldwell.

    Officer Cowling received the Boise Police Department's Life Saving award in 2009 for his part in saving the life of a 76 year old Boise man who collapsed at the security checkpoint at the airport July 20, 2009. Officer Cowling was credited with rushing to the man’s side and immediately checking his vital signs. After finding the man had no pulse, Officer Cowling instructed a nearby officer to call for paramedics and retrieve an automated external defibrillator (AED). Officer Cowling immediately began chest compressions. With another officer, Cowling used the AED and delivered a shock to the patient as directed on the device. Officer Cowling continued with compressions until relieved by Boise Fire Department and EMS personnel. The victim was stabilized and transported to the hospital. Two months later, the gentleman Officer Cowling helped revive was at the Boise City Council meeting to help present the Lifesaving Award to Officer Cowling.

    Boise Police officers have been with Cowling's wife and family since his arrival at the hospital.

    Suspect Vehicle (From the Caldwell Police news release pasted below): The suspect vehicle is a maroon Pontiac Grand Am with a Caucasian female driver with long dark hair.  Witnesses stated the vehicle looked to be a 2001 or newer model that had a spoiler and also had 2 fog lights in the rear bumper.  It is also stated that the vehicle sustained damage to the left front fender and hood.

    Boise Police join Caldwell Police in asking for you help in locating this vehicle or female driver in this case.

    If you have any information on this incident contact Canyon County Dispatch Center at 454-7531, or the Caldwell Police Department at 455-3115. Citizens may also call Crime Stoppers at 343-COPS.   

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Caldwell Police Department - News Release

INCIDENT: Felony Hit and Run
DATE: September 1st, 2011
TIME: 1309 hours
LOCATION: Beech and Manchester Caldwell, Id
SUSPECT:     Unknown

    On 09-01-11 at 1309 hours Caldwell Police Officers were dispatched to a hit and run collision near the intersection of Beech and Manchester in Caldwell that involved a bicycle.  

    The bicyclist sustained serious injuries and was transported to St. Alphonsus in Boise for medical treatment.  The driver of the car left the scene after the crash prior to police arrival.

    Witness stated the suspect vehicle is a maroon Pontiac Grand Am with a Caucasian female driver with long dark hair.  Witnesses stated the vehicle looked to be a 2001 or newer model that had a spoiler and also had 2 fog lights in the rear bumper.  It is also stated that the vehicle sustained damage to the left front fender and hood.

    Police asking for you help in locating this vehicle or female driver in this case.

    If you have any further information on this incident contact Canyon County Dispatch Center at 454-7531, or the Caldwell Police Department at 455-3115.    

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