OCALA, Fla. (WCJB) — A Belleview couple, Steven Haislip and Catherine Bowen, were arrested Thursday for allegedly luring a victim into a parking lot, stealing his gun, and assaulting him at the Carney Island boat ramp in Ocklawaha.
Marion County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) deputies responded to a call at the boat ramp parking lot on Wednesday morning. Upon arrival, deputies discovered two parked cars, blood on the pavement, and some of the victim’s teeth. The victim was transported to the hospital by a security guard before deputies arrived.
An investigation revealed that Haislip, 39, and Bowen, 25, had been involved in the crime. Haislip and the victim had been friends for six years, and Bowen had known the victim for about a year. The victim’s wife informed deputies that Haislip had recently become paranoid, accusing the victim of having a sexual relationship with Bowen.
Before the attack, Bowen reached out to the victim and his wife, showing them injuries allegedly inflicted by Haislip and confirming that she was not involved with the victim. The victim, who left his home to buy cigarettes, had planned to meet Bowen to “vent” at the parking lot.
Upon arrival, the victim was confronted by Bowen, who sat by the driver’s side door. As soon as he exited his car, he was hit in the face, and Haislip demanded the victim’s 9mm Keltec handgun. Haislip kicked and stomped on the victim’s head while Bowen tried to take the gun. The victim’s firearm was eventually grabbed by the couple, who fled in their vehicle.
Ten minutes after the victim’s 911 call, Bowen also called authorities, claiming she had been assaulted by an unknown person. Deputies located the suspect vehicle, a blue and grey Chrysler 300, matching the victim’s description, and towed it for evidence. Both Bowen and Haislip were questioned.
Bowen initially claimed she and Haislip went to the ramp to watch the moon, but her story was inconsistent with the victim’s account and physical evidence. Haislip’s version also contradicted Bowen’s, and when questioned further, he asked for a lawyer.
Both Bowen and Haislip were charged with robbery with a firearm and taken to Marion County Jail on Thursday morning. The evidence collected strongly supported the victim’s account of the incident.
