An Indianapolis man was arrested for allegedly shooting at another driver on Interstate 70 after being brake checked. Reports suggest that the man has a short temper and is quick to pull the trigger.
Authorities arrested 18-year-old Dean A. Watson on Monday for his alleged involvement in an interstate shooting. Investigators were able to identify Watson’s vehicle using Flock cameras, which helped tie him to the crime scene. Watson faces multiple felony charges, including attempted aggravated battery, intimidation, and pointing a firearm. The charges include a Level 3 felony for attempted aggravated battery and intimidation, and a Level 6 felony for pointing a firearm.
Court documents reveal that on June 27 at 8:18 p.m., Indiana State troopers received a report of an interstate shooting at the 55.2-mile marker near Monrovia. Upon arrival, the trooper found a silver Saturn passenger car parked on the side of I-70 with several bullet holes in it.
According to the driver’s account to the police, he was on his way to Paragon on I-70 westbound when a silver Saturn SUV started tailgating his vehicle in the left lane. Rather than changing lanes, the driver acknowledged that he gave the SUV a rude gesture and even slowed down abruptly. In response, the SUV switched to the right lane and accelerated to pass the driver.
While driving past, Watson, who was later identified as the driver, extended a handgun and fired several shots from it. Subsequently, Watson swiftly accelerated and overtook other vehicles on the emergency shoulder.
The victim’s vehicle bore the brunt of the bullet, resulting in a flat front tire that prompted him to pull over his Saturn onto the I-70 shoulder. The victim immediately contacted the police for assistance.
Using Flock traffic cameras, ISP investigators were able to identify both the suspect’s Saturn SUV and the victim’s Saturn car. It was discovered that the suspect SUV belonged to Watson after investigators linked it to him. Further investigation revealed that Watson had a recent court case where he was accused of harassing a woman and threatening to shoot her, along with another woman and their families.
The victim in the aforementioned case was interviewed by ISP investigators, who disclosed that Watson had a history of “violent tendencies” and was known to possess multiple firearms. Upon further investigation, several photos were discovered on Watson’s social media accounts where he was seen posing with firearms.
According to court records, Watson’s whereabouts were traced to apartments in Indianapolis where he resided. After monitoring his apartment, the police team followed Watson to a gas station on July 1, where state troopers apprehended him without any issue. Upon frisking him, the authorities discovered a loaded firearm in his possession.
Court documents reveal that the quantity of ammunition absent from the magazine in the perpetrator’s firearm was in line with the number of bullets discharged at the victim’s vehicle.
When questioned by investigators, Watson denied driving on I-70 on the day of the shooting and also denied firing his gun at another driver during a road rage incident.
According to the police, Watson was shown photographs of his Saturn Vue on I-70 and he responded with a noticeable pause, followed by a surprised “Wow…”
According to reports, Watson expressed surprise when he was informed that he fit the description of the suspected shooter by saying, “Really?”
In the end, Watson asked for a lawyer, and that marked the end of the interview.
