Apple Valley Man Sentenced to Five Days in Jail for Golf Cart Joy Ride

A brief spin in a golf cart has earned one Apple Valley man time behind bars.

Edward Terrel Bowens, Jr. was scheduled to begin his sentence for felony vehicle theft on Monday. The 22-year-old Apple Valley man is one of three men charged with the theft, which occurred last year.

According to the original police report, on the afternoon of March 28, 2012, Apple Valley police were called to an apartment complex on Galaxie Avenue to investigate a theft. On arrival they met with a maintenance man, who reported that he had parked a golf cart in the underground garage of the complex, then left to do work in another area.

When he returned, the golf cart was gone. He and other employees eventually found it on the other side of the garage, occupied by three men: One in the driver's seat, one in the passenger's and another in the cargo bed. On seeing the maintenance staff, the driver turned and drove the cart in the opposite direction. All three fled on foot as the maintenance staff closed in. After giving chase, they were at last detained by the maintenance staff.

Edward Terrel Bowens, Jr. and Deshawn Terrel Bowens, 20, were identified as the passengers. The driver was an unnamed juvenile. The men told police that they had accompanied the younger man to visit a relative who lives in the apartment complex, which gave them access to the garage. The trio admitted to taking the cart without permission.

The maintenance staff estimated that the cart was worth $2,000 to $3,000, which made their joy ride a felony offense. Both Bowens were charged with theft of a motor vehicle, which carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $10,000 fine. 

Edward Terrel Bowens, Jr. pleaded guilty on Jan. 28, 2013. He was sentenced to five days in Dakota County jail, starting Feb. 4, as well as three years of probation, and $415 in fines and fees. He has only one prior offense on his record: In March of 2012 he was convicted of concealing his identity, a misdemeanor.

The case against Deshawn Terrel Bowens is still active. His next hearing will take place on May 13.