DNA Match Links Man To Interlochen Crash

DNA evidence connected an Interlochen man to a 2015 crash that severely injured a woman, according to charges filed this week.

Jeremy Allen Bower, 25, faces charges of operating with a suspended license causing serious injury and leaving the scene of a serious injury accident stemming from a July 1, 2015 crash on M-137 near Interlochen.

A driver told Grand Traverse County Sheriff’s deputies that a Mercury Cougar swerved into his lane and crashed into him head-on, severely injuring one passenger.

The Mercury driver attempted to drive away and then fled on foot when his car would no longer drive. Deputies found a large amount of blood in the abandoned car which they sent to the state police crime lab to be sequenced.

Deputies later requested a DNA sample from Bower. The two DNA samples matched, according to the charges, which carry five years in prison.

Bower is also charged as a two-time habitual offender because he has a previous conviction for delivery of marijuana.