Suspect in fatal hit-and-run in north Spokane back in jail on DUI charge

A Spokane man accused of hitting a woman with his truck and leaving her to die in November was arrested again last week on suspicion of driving under the influence.

Bobby F. Bowerman, 37, posted bond and was released from jail after the Nov. 11 crash that killed 42-year-old Melissa L. Tolliver. Police said Bowerman panicked and fled after hitting Tolliver, who had been crossing a street on her way to a Burger King in north Spokane. The mother of two was pronounced dead at the scene.

Bowerman was arrested the day after the crash. According to police, he initially claimed he had been in Idaho at the time but gave a confession and a written apology when confronted with inconsistencies in his story. He later pleaded not guilty.

At about 6 p.m. Wednesday, Bowerman was pulled over while driving a Ford Escape near Nevada Street and Wellesley Avenue, about 2 miles from his house. The DUI citation indicates there was no collision but doesn’t say what prompted the officer to pull him over.

Bowerman is in jail without bond because the DUI charge violates the conditions of his release from the hit-and-run case, which is scheduled to go to trial next month.