Law Enforcement Officers Targeted in Burglary and Arson
Sheriffs Office Investigating Targeted Burglary and Arson of Law Enforcement Officers Home
The Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office is actively investigating the targeted attack of a Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office Lieutenants’ residence. The incident occurred on Saturday, April 21, 2012 at the officers residence located in the Point Baker area ofMilton,FL. The officer, Lt. Chris Watson, and his wife, Bonita Watson (a Santa Rosa County Probation Officer) were away from their residence for the weekend. While they were away, an unknown suspect or suspects came to their residence and burglarized it, along with his county vehicle. Numerous firearms, ammunition, bullet proof vests, badges, and other law enforcement items were stolen from the home and vehicle. A large amount of electronics and jewelry was also taken. The suspect/suspects then vandalized his county patrol vehicle with spray paint, stole his personal pickup truck (a 2005 Dark Blue Chevy Avalanche), and then set fire to the home after dousing the master bedroom with gasoline. The fire did not destroy the entire house; however it caused extensive damage.
The Chevy Avalanche was located and recovered in Escambia Countyon April 24, 2012 at the Bluffs onScenic Highway. It was abandoned at that location at approximately 0100 hours on Sunday, April 22, 2012.
This incident is believed to be a targeted attack on either Lt. Chris Watson or his wife, who is a probation officer. Some of the graffiti on the county vehicle stated, “You can get 1 but you cant get m all (EXPLETIVE)”. Increased patrol and surveillance has been initiated at Watson’s residence, as well as the homes of other law enforcement personnel.
This incident is being investigated and every available resource is being utilized to identify, capture, arrest, and convict the person or persons responsible for these criminal acts. The nature and severity of this case should be of substantial concern to the public, as well as to the law enforcement community as a whole. Those responsible for this crime already have a bold and dangerous mindset in order to commit this type of crime; now they are armed with weapons, badges, and body armor.
The Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s assistance in identifying anyone who was seen driving Watson’s 2005 Chevy Avalanche during the time period of 4/21/2012 at 1200 hours, through 4/22/12 at 0100 hours. Anyone with information concerning the identity of the suspect/s, or information about the crime, is asked to contact Santa Rosa Crime Stoppers at 437-STOP (7867) or by submitting a tip online at www.srccs.com. Santa Rosa County Crime Stoppers is providing a cash reward of $5000.00 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for this crime.
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