Surprise passenger jumps into man's truck on U.S. 19

HOLIDAY -- Raymond L. Bowen has been arrested several times in Pasco County, frequently using the alias "Alexis." On Tuesday evening, authorities say, Bowen -- as Alexis -- donned a long black wig and women's clothing and climbed into a white Ford pickup at a red light on U.S. 19.

According to a Sheriff's Office report, Bowen (pictured here after an August arrest, left, and after Tuesday's arrest) began to fondle the driver, a 59-year-old man from Clearwater, saying "I need to make twenty bucks."

The man is not being identified because of the nature of the crime.

"Get out of my truck," he told Bowen, to no avail. He began driving south on 19, arguing with his passenger along the way, until he found a safe place to pull over. He threatened to call 911, but Bowen, 32, wouldn't budge and took the man's cell phone.

A little further south, the man spotted a pay phone at a gas station. He tried calling 911 from there but the call failed. Bowen, the report says, stood behind him saying, "If you don't give me any money, I'll find a way to call your wife."

The argument went on, Bowen threw the cell phone across the parking lot and then walked away. The victim finally reached the Sheriff's Office, which issued a lookout for Bowen. A deputy found him about a quarter-of-a-mile away.

In his version of events, Bowen said he was "working" on U.S. 19 when the man in the truck pulled over and picked him up. He denied touching the man.

Bowen was arrested and charged with burglary battery and criminal mischief. In his jail mug, he is still wearing the black wig.

Molly Moorhead, Times staff writer

Comments

[Donald B.Everson]

driver should of just beat this sissy and then called the cops.

[Jason A.]

I have seen "Alexis" many times on US 19 in Holiday. I have also seen "her" get picked up many times in front of my work and it has always been by some one stopping and letting "her" in. I think that this guy was looking for a little action and was suprised when it wasn't a chick and now wants to say that he didn't let "her" in so that people won't know that he was looking for a hooker.

[ohmygoditsthatguy]

i know alexis will be very happy in jail as will his cell mate. So what if driver was trying to get some. After he say it was a sissy girl he should of cut it off like the bombeck woman did.

[CLB]

Keep the wig man!

[Cindy]

Stephanie, your racist and abusive videos have been reported to the Times. Please stop!

[Obserever of all]

I have also seen raymond many times jumping into vehicles along us 19 without provocation, alarming the drivers as if they were being carjacked. Then they would pull out pepperspray and assalt the driver when the driver was not an accepting participant. They are lucky they wern't shot.