Update: Latest on the Arrest of Da’Quan Bowers

Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Stephen Holder of the Tampa Bay Times has tweeted new details on the situation surrounding the arrest of Buccaneers’ defensive end Da’Quan Bowers:

Biggest of them is that he appears to have unwittingly traveled to NYC with the gun in a checked bag. Apparently raised no red flags in NC

— Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) February 19, 2013

Discovered the gun in NYC during weekend trip and went to counter to make them aware. Likely wanted to check it in bag for return trip

— Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) February 19, 2013

Also, I’m told Bowers’ gun is registered to him, though not clear in what state. I am assumed as much, but just sayin.

— Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) February 19, 2013

Holder seems to imply that Bowers brought the gun he legally owns to NYC on accident, leaving it in a travel bag that was checked on his departing flight. His return trip, which was unfortunately originating in New York City, was the unluckiest of times to discover he was in possession of his firearm. It appears Bowers may have made the most simple of mistakes with the worst possible item he owns. Everyone leaves items in suitcases after coming home from a trip. But the perfect storm of the item being a firearm, and his trip being to New York, makes this a serious situation with almost certain legal ramifications.

Most journalists on Twitter have been speaking to Bowers’ character today, assuring Buccaneer fans that this is unlike Bowers, and likely a mistake. However, New York, and particularly New York City, have a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to illegally possessed firearms. Bowers appeared in court this evening, and likely posted bail if the option was made available to him.

It will now be up to the justice system to determine his fate. It is encouraging to hear he has been cooperative with law enforcement, because unless he is able to find a way to prove his innocence of a fairly cut-and-dry law, his cooperation will likely assist in any sort of plea bargaining. I believe that this is the case of a young man making a boneheaded mistake that might cost him dearly. Hopefully this situation can be a warning to those who own a firearm, or are considering purchasing one. Guns are a massive responsibility, and failing to account for your weapon can cost you dearly. If Holder’s tweets are true, and Bowers made an honest mistake, it would be a shame if he were to receive jail time. But Da’Quan would have no one to blame but himself. I wish him the best, and hope that at the very least he has learned a valuable life lesson.