Louisiana Man Who Fled to NV after Carjacking and Kidnapping Sentenced to Prison

Davon Tyree Robinson-Bowls, of Kansas City, Missouri, appeared for sentencing on charges related to an armed carjacking on March 15 in Rocklin, California, where he forced an individual into a car, kidnapping them, and fled across the state line into Nevada. Robinson-Bowls was apprehended at mile marker 70 at the Trinity Exit on I-80 after an extensive chase. A black handgun matching the description given by the victim was retrieved in the area troopers had reported seeing the driver throw out a black metallic object from the vehicle. The initial criminal complaint against Robinson-Bowls included:

1. Attempted Kidnapping – 1st Degree
2. Possession Firearm Ex-felon
3. Evade/Elude/Fail to Stop on Signal or LE Officer
4. Destroy/Concealing of Evidence
5. Take/Poss Veh w/o Owners Consent
6. Reckless Driving w/ Disregard to Safety of Person or Prop, 1st Offense
7. Carrying Concealed Weapon
8. Driving w/o a Valid DL or Exp.
9. False Statement to or Obstruct Public Officer
10. Attempt Poss SCH I, II C/S LT 14 Grams, 1st or 2nd Offense
11. Fugitive from Justice

After extensive plea negotiations, Robinson-Bowls pled guilty to:

1. Failure to Stop on the Signal of Peace Officer, a Category B Felony punishable by 1-6 years in prison.
2. Ex-felon in possession of a Firearm, a Category C Felony punishable by 1-5 years.
3. Battery by a Prisoner in Lawful Custody, Category C Felony punishable by 1-5 years.

CDDA Lane Mills told the court, “Whenever we have an alluding charge, it puts more people in danger than the driver of the vehicle – the passengers, other motorists, and the public at large.” He then explained that the defendant, who is on probation on two other charges out of Louisiana, threw a gun out of the window of the vehicle. “This is not the type of conduct that should be tolerated,” said Mills.

CCPD Jacob Sommer explained to the court that his client is very young at 21 and has had an abusive and challenging upbringing. “Devan does not want to avoid responsibly and decided early on to make this right,” said Sommer, “and he knows there are some social prices he must pay.” Additionally, Robinson-Bowls’ family sent letters attesting to his better nature. Sommer argued for probation with intense supervision for his client so he could take responsibility and deal with all the other charges he is facing in California. Robinson-Bowls addressed the court, stating that he wanted to take full responsibility for his actions and that he knew his actions were wrong.

Judge Stockard said that he considered probation but did not find it appropriate in this case. He sentenced Robinson-Bowls to 22-65 months in prison for alluding arrest and 12-36 months on the battery charge, with the terms to run consecutively. The firearms charge was dismissed, and 99 days were credited for time served.