The Boone County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office has determined no charges will be filed in a stabbing incident last month in Burlington involving a taxi driver and a passenger.
The Boone County Sheriff’s Office released the following summary of the incident and the decision by the Commonwealth’s Attorney:
On Saturday, November 16, 2019 at approximately 10:01 PM, Boone County Sheriff’s Office deputies were dispatched to the 1700 block of Burlington Pike in Burlington for an unknown problem.
Once on scene, deputies quickly learned that a person had been stabbed. After a thorough investigation and careful review, it has been determined that no criminal charges will be pursued relative to this case.
Loyal R. Hearst Jr., 39, of Elsmere, an employee of, At Your Service Taxi was operating his red Dodge Caravan and was dispatched to a fare at R-Bar in Hebron.
Samuel J. Bowcock, 32, of California, Kentucky was intoxicated and had to be escorted to the backseat of Hearst’s cab by an employee of the bar.
Bowcock’s destination was to a hotel in Florence but he wasn’t capable of providing directions to Hearst. Hearst pulled over to obtain the address.
According to Hearst, Bowcock became argumentative due to the meter running while the taxi was stopped. A short time later and while en route to the hotel, Hearst stated that Bowcock moved to the seat directly behind him and suddenly began choking him as he was driving on Burlington Pike towards Florence.
The fixed-blade knife used in the stabbing incident (courtesy of the Boone County sheriff’s office).
Hearst grabbed a fix blade knife that was lying on the front passenger seat and began stabbing in the direction of Bowcock in an effort to get him to release his chokehold.
Once Bowcock released the chokehold, Hearst stopped the taxi in the middle of Burlington Pike and exited the van. A passerby dialed 911.
After Hearst exited the van, Bowcock climbed to the front driver’s seat and Hearst stated that he believed that Bowcock was trying to steal his taxi.
Once deputies arrived, Bowcock was ordered out of the taxi. Upon exiting, Bowcock quickly fell to the ground and was unconscious. He was bleeding heavily from his wounds.
Deputies began life saving measures and determined that Bowcock had been stabbed in the head. Bowcock was transported the University of Cincinnati Medical Center and has since been released.
Bowcock sustained multiple stab wounds to the right side of his face that extend from his right temple to just above his jawline. Additionally, Bowcock was treated for several stab wounds to his right bicep and shoulder.
Bowcock told detectives that he doesn’t recall his attack on Hearst or being stabbed.
The investigation was turned over to the Boone County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office for review and it was determined that no charges will be filed against Samuel J. Bowcock or Loyal R. Hearst.
