via Nick Cannon Instagram
Ryan Bowers, a 23-year-old rapper, has been identified as the man who was shot by San Diego police on Monday, January 7, after allegedly cutting his own throat and pulling a knife on officers.
What Happened?
According to San Diego Police Lieutenant Anthony Dupree, Bowers allegedly cut his throat with a knife before pulling out a different knife from his jacket pocket once responding officers arrived on the scene.
The incident reportedly happened around 10 p.m. at a residence in the 3100 block of Cauby Street in the Midway District area of San Diego on Monday, January 7. Police responded to the scene after a call that said Bowers cut his own throat with a knife before it was taken away.
According to ABC 10 San Diego, responding officers were directed to a back bedroom of the apartment, where they found Bowers, who then allegedly “pulled a knife out of his jacket and raised it toward officers.”
The San Diego Police Department says that this caused the officers to draw their weapons while telling Bowers to back up, which he refused to do.
“Fearing for his safety, one officer fired his weapon at the male striking him at least once,” police said.
Bowers was shot by Officer Matthew Steinbach, a six-year veteran of the department.
After the shooting, officers administered medical aid until paramedics arrived to transport him to the hospital with life-threatening injuries.
At the time of this writing, Bowers was reportedly “life-threatening” condition as he was “fighting for survival.”
Who Is Ryan Bowers?
Bowers is an associate and friend of entertainer Nick Cannon, as he began his career on an episode of the MTV reality series Made in the early 2000s. Following his appearance on Made, Bowers worked with artists such as DJ Premier and The Game
Nick Cannon released the following statement about Bowers on Instagram:
his honestly hurts my heart to have to post this right now, but I’m just requesting prayers and positive energy for my young guy! @RyanBowersOB has to be one of the most talented and gifted youngsters I’ve ever met but more importantly one of the most resilient and strong spirits I’ve personally witnessed. He had such a troubled and haunted journey when I first signed him that I wasn’t aware of because he did it all with a smile. One of the nicest and sincere kids you could ever meet.
About 5 years ago I created a alternative rap group for him and @Kehlani along with a few other talented young artist called “PWD”. They were all so dope that I invested hundreds of thousands of dollars in them. They had amazing songs with @E40 @losangelesconfidential @djpremier and more. They toured with @therealtechn9ne and even performed on Wildnout, at SXSW and other festivals.
And Bowers was the energy of the group, a writer, rapper, singer, skateboarder! The kid could do it all, but like most of us he had his own demons and darkness that he struggled with. We would often talk about God and Spirituality and he got to a place where it all was confusing for him and he couldn’t trust anyone. I told him I would always have his back and would be there for him so when I got the call today that he slit his throat and then immediately after the San Diego police shot him numerous times. My heart sunk. Through the grace of the Most High Ryan Bowers is still here with us, but he needs your prayers and positive energy. I promise you if my guy pulls through I will make the world know him and appreciate his amazing journey and gifts!! I love you my dude! I know you are going to pull through!