CHAPIN, SC (WIS) - Clarence Edwards Bowers is better known as "Eddie" in the town of Chapin. Mostly everyone has seen him even if they don't know his name.
Robert Kinney, who lives and works in Chapin, says he usually sees him every day. Well, almost every day.
"Not unless he's locked up and that's usually every other day," said Robert. "The days that he's not locked up, he's usually out."
Police say Bowers is known for being intoxicated and begging for money.
"He's always asking for stuff -- handouts," said Beth Kinney, an employee at Zesto. "If you don't give it to him, he'll cuss you out in a heartbeat."
One of the owners at Zesto says Bowers has done some minor stuff like steal ketchup bottles, but has also harassed customers.
"If you're sitting there eating and you don't know this guy and he comes and sits down in the booth with you, do you want that? And he's begging and asking you for money and then cussing you out if you don't give it to him," said Beth.
Many businesses and customers say they've seen Bowers panhandling all over the area particularly on Chapin Road. They don't say he's dangerous, just more of nuisance and they say mental problems may be to blame.
"We believe there's some mental instability there, so we're currently going to look into that and see what kind of help we can offer him in order to avoid dealing with him in the way we are," said Chapin Police Chief Troy Crump.
In April of 1989, Bowers was charged with resisting arrest. The court found him guilty, but mentally ill. That is the only time on his record where that is mentioned. His most recent arrests were on Friday for disorderly conduct and on Monday for contempt of court.
"His court date was Monday night. When he showed up he was intoxicated. He could barely stand up so the judge held him in contempt of court," said Crump.
Bowers' rap sheet spans three decades and at least 90 arrests. The crimes are mostly disorderly conduct and public drunkenness, but also include forgery, armed robbery and drug possession. Serious offenses, but some like Robert say Bowers might not be able to help it.
"He's really not a bad guy," said Robert. "I think it's just become a custom for him and I don't think he knows any other way."
Copyright 2012 WIS. All rights reserved.
All content © Copyright 2000 - 2012 WorldNow and WISTV, a Raycom Media Station. 