On March 25th, 2020 at around 9:00am, 16-year-old Canaan Bower of Las Cruces, New Mexico was pumping gas at a Circle K, when he heard the screams and saw much of it go down across the street at a competing gas station, Chucky’s Food Mart on Thorpe Road.
A mother and her three children ages 9, 2 and 1 had gotten off a Greyhound bus and was waiting for an Uber in the parking lot when a man from Phoenix who was drifting through ( I’d rather not mention his name which he would enjoy ) and who they had no connection with, and who was off the rails, grabbed her two year old and demanded she hand over her other children.
He then punched her in the head a half dozen times and began to throttle her.
Others temporarily tried to intervene, giving the victims time to run into the store for protection.
Customers and staff tried to stop him with fists, brooms and bottles, and were all beaten for the efforts, and the attacker made it into the store and was breaking down the door where the family was hiding.
Recalled Canaan, “She kept screaming and I could tell after looking that she was trying to avoid this guy, trying to get away. He was going through people like crazy.”
The 16-year-old peeled across the street in his Toyota pick-up to try and handle the situation.
I should mention that this 16-year-old was 6’2”, 285 pounds and had, on Feb. 16th, won the title at the District 3-5A championship in the 285-pound heavyweight division for his Mayfield High School Wresting Team, earning him a spot in the coming state tournament.
Here’s how it went down.
( Trigger warning )
Outside surveillance camera-
Inside surveillance camera-
Notice at the 4:45 timestamp a female victim started to hit the perp with a sign… until Canaan told her to stop.
That he had it under control.
Said Canaan, “I was a little worried that he had a knife or a gun because there was so much blood. I grabbed him from behind and I pulled him back into the open area of the store, flipped him onto his back and held him there. That’s how I pin everyone else in a real match or tournament. That’s just what I did to him. As soon as he got on his back, I started squeezing his head a little bit, and he kind of gave up.”
Said Canaan’s mother Kara Garrett Bower, “Canaan is too nice to hurt people, any people. Canaan clarified that the man was much smaller then him, he just grabbed him and took him to the floor like he does in wrestling and held him down until the cops got there.”
Said father Troy, “I wanted to wring his neck. You fear for your own child's safety in that situation. You don't know if this guy's maybe got a gun or a knife … you don't know what this guy's capable of. I'm sure other people saw what was going on and didn't get involved. It's very terrifying that your child put himself at risk but, at the same time, confident that he would do the right thing and succeed in doing it.”
One can only imagine what would have happened to the family if he hadn’t been stopped.
Said store clerk Aimee Bronson, who herself was punched several times as she tried to keep the attacker out, “He was beating on everybody, while laughing hysterically. He seemed super human. All he wanted was those kids.
It wasn’t for that young man, it would have been a lot different because we couldn’t stop him.
It was so scary.”
He was recognized and honored by so many, from the public internationally, from Dana White and MMA champions, to the local police department, by the city’s mayor, Doña Ana County and the New Mexico State Senate.
Doña Ana County named March 25th the Canaan Bower Day of Valor.
I was there at the Santa Fe State Capitol Building that day on a wholly unrelated matter, trying to help forward the Death With Dignity Bill, when I heard about Canaan soon to be recognized, so my party entered and watched with admiration as he shook hands with all the state senators after they read their proclamation.
"Now therefore be it resolved by the Senate of the State of New Mexico, that appreciation and recognition be extended to Canaan Bower, a young New Mexican, for his heroic actions in preventing a kidnapping."
Said Canaan, “I had no idea that this was going to be the outcome, like I didn’t know it was going to get this big, I just knew something had to be done and no one was going to do anything about it, so I did.
When someone needs help you should always help them … always be the one to do something about it."
And so he did.
A few days ago, I was again at the Capitol Building when I ran into an attorney friend who I last saw on the day we watched Canaan receive his official thank you.
After a few minutes of conversation, my friend said to me, “Shame about Canaan.”
Huh?
Canaan was riding his motorcycle when it collided with a car making a turn, authorities said, according to the Santa Fe New Mexican.
“It is with a heavy heart and deep regret I inform you wonderful public, about this beautiful hero’s untimely passing. March 9, 2022 Canaan was involved in a motorcycle accident and was lifted by angels to paradise. He was a funny, witty, loving amazing young man who will be missed dearly. My condolences to all his family and friends. "Canaan you were a real live guardian angel to these kids in your earthly time. We will always remember that. Now it is time for you to watch over us in your spirit form"
On Wednesday, March 9, 2022, our beloved son, brother, grandson, nephew and dear friend CANAAN JACE BOWER, age 18, lifelong resident of Las Cruces, was called home to be with our Heavenly Father. He was born July 7, 2003 to Troy and Kara Garrett Bower. Canaan was a “GENTLE GIANT” that loved giving hugs, had a heart of gold, and just loved life itself. His smile, laughter, personality, sense of humor and willingness to help others will never be forgotten.
Wrote his aunt Laurel Cutting...
‘He spent most of his time hanging out with friends and family, working on his beloved truck, camping, off-roading, welding, and helping others. I can't even count the number of times he was ready and willing to help me at a moment's notice, and this was true for anyone who asked for his assistance’.
He had recently graduated high school and was preparing to attend engineering school.
I felt compelled to share Canaan with you all ever since I heard.
It’s never too late to send love and thanks into the universe.
For a job well done and a life too short lived.
Canaan was fond of Johnny Cash, so…
