Lenoir Police Department, North Carolina
End of Watch: Sunday, April 6, 1969
Age: 24
Tour of Duty: Not available
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: April 6, 1969
Weapon Used: Gun; Unknown type
Suspect Info: Acquitted
Officer Watson was shot and killed 13 minutes after reporting off duty, at 2313 hours. He was still in uniform when he was found suffering from gunshot wounds in a driveway outside of the city limits. He was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his wounds. The owner of the property was charged with his murder.
The suspect told police that as he drove his car onto his driveway Officer Watson pulled up behind him in his personal car and got out. He said he felt threatened by Officer Watson, did not realize he was a police officer and shot him. It is not known why Officer Watson approached the suspect. The suspect was acquitted.
Officer Watson was survived by his wife and two children.