Indianapolis, Indiana – A road rage incident on Interstate 70 from late last month turned into shooting that resulted in the arrest of Indianapolis 18-year-old Dean A. Watson. Following a high-speed confrontation, Watson allegedly fired several rounds at a vehicle.
Around 8:18 p.m. on June 27, the conflict started near the 55.2-mile marker close to Monrovia, police said. Reports of a gunshot incident involving two vehicles brought Indiana State Police to the scene. Upon arrival, police noticed a silver Saturn passenger car pulled over on the road covered in bullet holes.
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Police reported that Watson, driving a silver Saturn SUV, started aggressively tailgating another car traveling westbound on I-70. After the passenger car driver reacted to the tailgating by making an insulting gesture and brake checking Watson, the situation got out of control. Watson moved his car to the right lane in response, accelerated past the other car, fired several bullets before racing off, avoiding other cars with the emergency shoulder.
The victim—whose name has not been revealed—had to halt his car because of gunfire-caused flat tire. He immediately contacted law enforcement to report the incident Investigators tracked Watson’s car by utilizing Flock traffic cameras. Further investigation found a recent court case involving Watson accused of threatening violence against a woman and her family, suggesting a pattern of aggressive behavior.
Credit: Unsplash
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Watson said he was not on I-70 at the time of the event and denied any participation in the road rage shooting when asked. When shown pictures of his car on the highway and following a stop, though, his sole reply was, “Wow…” Police said Watson also hesitated upon learning he matched the gunman’s description, then answered with a doubtful,” Really?”
Subsequent police monitoring resulted in Watson’s July 1 arrest at a nearby gas station. Officers discovered a loaded revolver on Watson after the arrest; missing ammunition from the magazine matched the number of bullets fired at the victim’s vehicle. Watson has subsequently been charged with several charges, including Level 3 felonies, attempted aggravated battery and intimidation, both Level 3 felonies, and Level 6 felony pointing of a firearm.
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Watson asked for an attorney after his arrest, hence the police questioning was cut immediately. The case emphasizes the rising worries about road rage events and the risks associated with aggressive driving practices.
