Police Continue Investigation As Emily Bowman Fights For Her Life

Athens-Clarke County Police continue to piece together their case to make an arrest in the hit-and-run incident that has left a former Kennesaw State University student in a coma. 

Lt. Don Eckert, commander of the agency's traffic unit, said detectives have interviewed around 20 witnesses and will continue to do so in the incident that's left 19-year-old Emily Bowman in critical condition at Athens Regional Medical Center. 

Eckert also said police have reviewed surveillance video of places that caught the Mazda pick-up truck before and after Bowman was struck from behind as she walked on the grassy shoulder of Oak Street just after 3 a.m. on Saturday Feb. 16.

Eckert said the suspect as well as his parents are refusing to talk to investigators.

He noted the suspect has obtained a lawyer, who called the department earlier this week and asked to allow the suspect to surrender.

Eckert on Thursday said the department could not go along with the request because warrants have yet to be taken out on the suspect.

When asked when he thought the agency could obtain warrants for an arrest, Eckert noted that "depends" on what information they obtain today during their investigation. 

Something could break in the case that could spur detectives to obtain the warrant today or Monday, he added.

Bowman, who is from Woodstock, was in Athens last weekend to celebrate the birthday of a friend when she was hit by the truck.

The susepct fled the scene and the truck was found abandoned not far from the scene. 

While the suspect has not been arrested, police have found evidence that could suggest the suspect most likely was drunk at the time of the incident, according to the Athens Banner-Herald.

Police found a bottle of liquor inside the red Mazda pick-up truck and empty beer cans in the truck bed, the article states.

The agency also learned the truck is registered to a man in Cartersville. 

Detectives have also collected evidence at the home of the suspect's mother, who lives in Watkinsville, and his father, who resides in Lawrenceville. 

While the suspect remains free, that isn't stopping the Woodstock community from rallying around Bowman, a 2011 graduate of Woodstock High School.

Bowman's condition continues to improve, and according to the Banner-Herald, doctors removed parts of Bowman's skull to allow her brain to swell without excess pressure, removed a blood clot and performed a ventriculostomy to remove fluid from her brain. 

A Facebook page has been created to share updates on Bowman's condition and a "Bows for Bowman" fundraiser is set for Thursday March 7 at Buffalo's Cafe on Highway 92 in Woodstock.

During the restaurant's hours of 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., 10 percent of all proceeds will go towards Bowman and her recovery. Customers can also purchase "Pray For Emily" bracelets for $4 and T-shirts that will be sold at various prices.

An account has been set up at Wells Fargo and is named Emily Taylor Bowman's Medical Bills Fund. Money raised will also help pay for the woman's medical care and other necessities.