Video shows SLO city manager tackling intruder; employees file restraining order
Video from the city of San Luis Obispo shows how an intruder with a romantic fixation on the mayor jumped a half wall and was tackled by the city manager in a wild scene on Monday.
The video shared with the media as seven city employees filed a restraining order against 58-year-old Lannen Mitchell Bowers, who was “hostile and threatening” when he came to the office at 990 Palm St. at about 11 a.m. on Monday, City Manager Derek Johnson said in a statement Wednesday.
Bowers, who was arrested on suspicion of battery and trespassing, jumped over a short door separating the reception area from employee workspaces.
In response to the incident, Johnson said the city is evaluating security measures and training employees to handle threats of workplace violence.
“I am very proud of our city employees,” Johnson said. “They demonstrated incredible professionalism and courage in a difficult and frightening situation.”
SLO manager heard commotion, confronted suspect
When Bowers arrived at City Hall on Monday, a city administrative assistant informed him that Mayor Heidi Harmon wasn’t in the office, prompting Bowers to forcibly push the SLO employee to the ground as he moved past him, SLO officials said.
“Mr. Bowers physically assaulted a city employee attempting to block him from proceeding toward the City Council offices,” Johnson wrote.
Multiple city employees began to yell “help” and “call 911” as Bowers then ran toward the mayor’s office.
Johnson, whose office is around the corner from the reception area, said he heard commotion and started to call 911, but stopped when he heard “louder and more urgent cries for help.”
“Fearing employees were in immediate danger, (Johnson) hurried out of his office to assist, and as he rounded the corner toward the reception area, ran directly into Mr. Bowers,” his statement noted. “(Johnson) subdued Mr. Bowers, maneuvered him into the hallway and restrained him until police officers arrived.”
Police came within minutes and arrested Bowers. No injuries were reported.
City employees provided statements and the video footage to police; they also are making counseling and other support available to staff as needed as a result of the incident.
“Following this incident, the city is evaluating additional security precautions at city facilities,” Johnson said. “The police will provide the results of the investigation to the district attorney, who will determine how to proceed with any criminal charges resulting from this incident.”
Restraining order details SLO employee concern
According to a restraining order filed by a SLO administrative assistant, Bowers had come to City Hall on multiple previous occasions, leaving messages for Harmon and previously once telling an office worker “You can get out of my way,” while trying to open the locked half door unsuccessfully to see her.
On Monday, Bowers said about the half door: “What do I have to do to see the mayor? Do I have to jump over this?” He then proceeded to just that.
“I saw (SLO administrative assistant Kevin Christian) raise and cross his arms,” the restraining order noted. “Mr. Bowers pushed and got by him. ... Mr. Bowers’ behavior previously and on Jan. 6, 2020, placed me and other employees in the clerk’s office in fear for our safety and well-being.”
Johnson said the city promotes civic engagement and respects the right of the public to express dissatisfaction with government officials under the First Amendment, while maintaining safety.
Bowers’ past contacts with the city didn’t violated the law, SLO officials determined.
Female elected leaders at higher risks of violence, threats
SLO officials say “certain people in government are more vulnerable (to threats of violence) such as those who work in offices of city leaders,” especially female elected officials who face increased risks, according to studies.
The city also cited homelessness as an ongoing challenge, noting SLO has allocated nearly $1 million to fund homeless outreach programs, while providing emergency medical services, police enforcement, and public health and safety clean-up.
SLO officials said the county government is responsible for public health, mental health and alcohol and drug treatment services.
“The city of San Luis Obispo will continue to actively coordinate with the county, nonprofits and other partners to make progress on these issues,” Johnson said.
This story was originally published January 9, 2020 at 6:22 PM.
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