Jackson Officer Charged With Reckless Driving

Jackson, TN

A Jackson police officer has been charged with reckless driving, according to Mike Browning, a spokesman for the Tennessee Department of Safety.

Charged was Thomas Derek Bowman, 24, of Lexington, who started with the Jackson Police Department on April 21. Jackson Police Chief Rick Staples said Bowman has been on a probationary period since he was hired, which is standard for new officers.

"The probation period lasts for two years," Staples said.

Police Commander Dennis Mays said Bowman was served with a letter today informing him that he did not successfully complete his probationary period and his employment has been terminated.

Browning said that Tennessee Highway Patrol Trooper Greg Hopper clocked two "crotch rocket" motorcycles traveling at 124 miles per hour in a 55-mph zone Tuesday night in Henderson County.

Hopper first spotted the motorcycles around 5:30 p.m. Tuesday on U.S. 412, Browning said.

The motorcycles split up, and Hopper stopped Bowman, Browning said.

Bowman was given a speeding ticket and charged with reckless driving.

He was taken to the Henderson County Sheriff's Department, where he was released on his own recognizance.