BARBOURSVILLE, WV (LOOTPRESS) – A woman is facing multiple serious charges after allegedly driving under the influence with three children in her vehicle Sunday night on Interstate 64.
On June 22, 2025, at approximately 9:10 p.m., Trooper T.A. Ellis of the West Virginia State Police was conducting road patrol in the eastbound lanes of I-64 near mile marker 20 in the Barboursville area when he observed a black SUV bearing temporary West Virginia registration swerving in its lane. The vehicle was traveling through an active work zone with concrete barriers on both sides and was seen nearly striking the barriers multiple times. Trooper Ellis also noted the SUV’s speed fluctuated erratically between 40 and 55 mph.
The vehicle was stopped at the end of the work zone, and the driver was identified as Ashlee Noel Bowman, using a Virginia driver’s license. During the stop, Trooper Ellis detected a strong odor of alcohol coming from inside the vehicle. While Bowman and her passenger searched for the vehicle’s registration and insurance, an open can of Michelob Ultra beer was seen in the glove box.
Bowman was asked to exit the vehicle and showed signs of intoxication, including slurred speech, bloodshot and watery eyes, poor coordination, and confusion. When questioned, she admitted to having consumed “a number of drinks.” She then failed all three standardized field sobriety tests and refused to take a preliminary breath test.
Trooper Ellis placed Bowman under arrest for suspicion of DUI and read her Miranda Rights. Upon returning to the vehicle, he discovered three juveniles in the back seat.
A red alcoholic beverage, identified as a Hurricane mix, was also located in the driver-side door panel. The passenger told police they were traveling from Louisville, Kentucky, to West Virginia.
Due to Bowman’s impaired state, Trooper Ellis concluded that she had placed herself, her passenger, and the three juveniles at extreme risk of injury or death. She was transported to the WVSP Huntington Detachment, where she refused a secondary chemical breath test after being read the Implied Consent warning.
Trooper Ellis obtained a search warrant for a blood sample, which was executed at St. Mary’s Hospital at 10:40 p.m. The sample will be analyzed by the West Virginia State Police Forensic Laboratory.
Bowman was then transported to Western Regional Jail to await arraignment. Trooper Ellis noted that she was uncooperative, verbally aggressive, and non-compliant throughout the investigation, which was captured on the trooper’s body-worn camera.
Charges filed against Ashlee Noel Bowman include:
- Three counts of Child Neglect Creating Risk of Injury
- One count of Driving Under the Influence with Unemancipated Minors
