Police Officer James B. Watts

James B. Watts

Police Officer James Watts and Detective Sergeant John Tsolis of the Highland Park Police Department were shot as they executed a narcotics search warrant at the home of the suspect at 13145 Appoline Street in Detroit.

At 6:30 a.m., two Highland Park Police officers and three Detroit Police officers arrived at the house and arrested two men. When Detective Tsolis and Officer Watts opened the door to a bedroom, the suspect, who was hiding in a closet on the second floor, began firing with two guns. Detective Tsolis was killed instantly, and Officer Watts suffered wounds in his arm and chest. He was able to return fire but did not wound the suspect.

Detective Tsolis died of his wounds at the scene. Officer Watts succumbed to his wounds on March 15th, 1975.

The suspect pleaded guilty to the murder of Detective Tsolis and was sentenced to 10-20 years. Another suspect was convicted of possession of narcotics and sentenced to five years.

Officer Watts had served with the Detroit Police Department for five years. He was survived by his wife, child, parents, and brother.