News Summary
In Orlando, Florida, professional golfer Daniel Bowling was arrested for attempting to engage with who he believed was a 15-year-old girl online. The 26-year-old now faces serious charges, including obscene communication and lewd conduct. His arrest serves as a warning to parents about the lurking dangers on online platforms. Meanwhile, Bowling’s golf career, which recently included participation in the U.S. Open pre-qualifying rounds, is now overshadowed by this alarming behavior.
Orlando Golf Scene Turns Dark with Arrest of Local Professional
In a shocking turn of events in Orlando, Florida, 26-year-old professional golfer Daniel Bowling was arrested on Thursday for attempting to engage with what he believed was a 15-year-old girl online. Bowling, who was recently in town for the pre-qualifying rounds of the U.S. Open, has been charged with a slew of offenses, displaying concerning behavior that has authorities on high alert.
Details of the Arrest
Bowling’s run-ins with the law began when he connected with an undercover officer posing as a teenager on AdChat, a messaging platform. What started as an innocent communication turned intensely inappropriate in just 24 hours. After several explicit exchanges, Bowling made plans to meet up with the decoy in person. This decision would ultimately lead to his arrest when he arrived at the designated meeting spot.
Law enforcement officials have labeled him as “a dangerous online predator,” and he now faces 12 charges, which include obscene communication, traveling to meet with a minor, and attempted lewd and lascivious molestation. Bowling’s arrest is a stark reminder for parents to keep a vigilant eye on their children’s online activities, as officials indicate there may be hundreds of potential predators lurking in the cyber shadows.
The Golf Career and Aftermath
Bowling had participated in the recent pre-qualifying rounds of the U.S. Open at the Orange Tree Golf Club in Dr. Phillips, where he scored a 78 and placed T35, missing out on further competition opportunities. Although he had previously played in a Mackenzie Tour/PGA Tour Canada event back in 2016, he is not currently a member of any of the six PGA Tours. Described as a “teaching professional,” it appears Bowling’s golfing journey has taken a significant and unfortunate detour.
As news of his arrest spreads, Bowling has not offered any comments regarding the situation, and it remains unclear if he has secured legal representation for what lies ahead.
Tragic Golf Cart Accident Claims Life in Port St. Lucie
In a separate incident that illustrates the sometimes dangerous combination of golf, alcohol, and motorized vehicles, a 59-year-old man named Daniel Mackin tragically lost his life after falling from a moving golf cart driven by his wife, 62-year-old Cynthia Mackin, in Port St. Lucie, Florida. This tragic occurrence took place at approximately 5:20 p.m. while the couple enjoyed a day of golf at Astor Creek Golf & Country Club.
The Circumstances of the Incident
The unfortunate accident occurred when Daniel fell off the back of the golf cart, sustaining severe head injuries when he struck the sidewalk. He was promptly taken to HCA Florida Lawnwood Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.
Cynthia Mackin has since been arrested for driving under the influence, with a reported blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.09, exceeding the legal limit of 0.08. Police Chief Leo Niemczyk emphasized that both individuals had been consuming alcohol, creating a risky situation that led to this heartbreaking outcome. The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities consulting with the State Attorney’s Office regarding possible additional charges.
Further Complications
Additionally, a 37-year-old man named Justis Morrison was arrested for obstruction after interfering with the police investigation, but both Cynthia and Justis were later released from the St. Lucie County Jail on $500 bond each.
While the Mackin couple hails from Greensboro, Georgia, this tragedy is not an isolated incident in Port St. Lucie. Just last year, another golf cart accident resulted in charges against a driver, highlighting the need for responsible behavior when behind the wheel, especially after drinking.
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Additional Resources
- AOL News: Professional Golfer Arrested
- WPBF: Florida Woman Charged with DUI
- WPTV: Golf Cart Incident Investigation
- Law & Crime: Husband Dies Falling from Golf Cart
- TCPalm: Man Dies After Falling from Golf Cart
- Wikipedia: Golf Cart
- Google Search: Golf accidents
- Google Scholar: Golf safety
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Golf
- Google News: Golf incidents Florida
