A 68-year-old Bensalem resident is behind bars following a targeted undercover operation by the Bensalem Township Police Department Special Investigations Unit (SIU). Charles Bowers, of Craig Avenue, was arrested on Monday after police discovered he was allegedly dealing both illegal firearms and narcotics within the community.
The investigation began on Thursday, January 29, 2026, when detectives received a tip that Bowers was attempting to sell weapons and methamphetamine. Because of prior felony convictions, Bowers is legally classified as a “person not to possess,” meaning it is a high-level felony for him to own or handle any firearm under Pennsylvania law.
To confirm the reports, an undercover officer arranged a meeting with Bowers at his residence on Craig Avenue, located in a residential pocket of the township. During this meeting on February 2, the officer successfully completed a purchase of two shotguns, a rifle, and a quantity of methamphetamine.
Following the transaction, police obtained an arrest warrant and began surveillance. Later that day, officers spotted Bowers driving a red Cadillac near the 2300 block of Bristol Road. A high-visibility traffic stop was conducted, and Bowers was taken into custody without incident. A search of his person during the arrest revealed additional quantities of suspected methamphetamine.
Bowers now faces multiple felony counts, including Persons Not to Possess a Firearm, Carrying a Firearm Without a License, and Possession with Intent to Deliver.
Status
Charles Bowers was arraigned by District Justice Charles Jonas. He was remanded to the Bucks County Correctional Facility after failing to post 10% of $750,000 bail.
The case remains under active investigation.
