Suspect in NYC machete attack charged with deadly hit-and-run

Career Criminal Charged in Bronx Machete Attack and Fatal Hit-and-Run

A man with a lengthy criminal history, Timothy Bowler, 31, has been implicated in a brutal machete attack that severed a stranger’s finger and is now facing charges related to a hit-and-run crash that claimed the life of a cancer survivor last year.

Bowler is accused of fatally colliding with 52-year-old Lelawati Narine in Queens on March 22, 2024, while riding his motorcycle. Police have stated that he allegedly plowed into Narine, who had just finished chemotherapy and was declared cancer-free at the time.

“I’m really relieved they caught him,” said Narine’s son, Darshan. “He just left my mom there. It wasn’t right. He could have called 911 or tried to help her; instead, he just ran.” He expressed surprise at Bowler’s extensive record of 45 arrests, questioning how someone could remain free with such a background.

Bowler was already in custody at Rikers Island when he faced new charges related to the machete attack on MTA worker Tyquon Young. This incident occurred on January 24, where Bowler allegedly injured Young’s father. Reports suggest that he even threatened Young’s dog during that confrontation.

Details from Bowler’s past include a 2016 assault on a deli worker in the Bronx who refused to give him a six-pack of beer. His recent record includes charges of rape, weapons possession, and assault from a separate domestic violence case in October 2024. As of Sunday, his bail status was unclear.

Despite his grim history, officials say Bowler remains a potential danger, especially after being charged with robbery for allegedly spraying a female correctional officer with pepper spray in February.

Narine, who lived in Richmond Hill, was standing at the intersection of 114th Street and Liberty Avenue when Bowler, driving a 2023 Jiajue motorcycle, struck her. According to reports, she suffered severe injuries and succumbed about three weeks later at Jamaica Hospital. Darshan recounted the confusion at the hospital when staff initially treated his mother as a Jane Doe because she had no identification on her, only a wig in the bag with her belongings.

Bowler now faces several charges, including leaving the scene of an accident and driving without a license. He remains incarcerated on assault and intimidation charges linked to his attack on Young, who lost several fingers in the incident.

“I’m just thankful they caught him,” said Kimtryse Young, Tyquon’s mother, after learning about Bowler’s extensive criminal past. “I hope they keep him locked up this time. He has been let out so many times already, and someone lost their life because of him. Maybe this will finally motivate my son to seek help. He really struggled after losing his job.”

Tyquon was walking his dog when Bowler’s puppy got involved, leading to a violent confrontation where Bowler used a machete. The aftermath was devastating for Young, who was a dedicated employee and father.