Oberlin man accused of assault at tire store

At 10 a.m., March 1, Elyria police responded to Firestone Tires, 1951 Midway Mall, following a complaint about an altercation between the store’s manager and a customer, according to an Elyria police report.

Aric Bowens, 40, executive director of Ambassador Brothers of Lorain County, an organization of men who mentor disadvantaged youth, was arrested on a misdemeanor assault charge after allegedly slapping the store’s manager on the face.

When reached for comment, Bowens, of Oberlin, declined to offer specific details about the altercation and stated that it was an unfortunate situation.

“We will have our day in court and everything will come out at that point,” Bowens said.

When police arrived, tire manager Richard Pulinski told officers Bowens returned to the store regarding work that had been done on his car. During the conversation, things became heated and Pulinski said additional work would not be done, the report said.

Pulinski told police he shook Bowens hand and then Bowens slapped him on the left side of his face, causing it to become red and knocking his glasses off.

Police arrived and arrested Bowens. He was taken to the Elyria Police Department and later released on summons.

Bowens will appear in Elyria Municipal Court on March 8.