INDIANAPOLIS – On Thursday, June 27, 2024, at approximately 3:50 p.m., Indiana State Troopers were notified of a shooting incident on I-70 westbound, west of State Road 39.
Detectives responded to the scene to gather information and immediately began following several leads. The victim’s vehicle had damage consistent with gunfire; however, the driver was not injured, and there was nobody else in the vehicle.
Detectives quickly ascertained information through investigative means that identified not only the suspect’s vehicle but also the suspect. Investigators began requesting a series of search warrants, each uncovering further leads to the suspect.
On July 1, Indiana State Police Detectives arrested 18-year-old Dean A. Watson after surveillance on his vehicle, which followed him from a residence in Indianapolis to a gas station; he was taken into custody at the gas station. Detectives found a loaded handgun while patting Watson down. He was taken to the Indiana State Police Post for an interview and subsequently transported to the Morgan County Jail, where he was booked on the preliminary charge of attempted murder.
On July 2, ISP Detectives obtained a search warrant to search the vehicle Watson was driving at the time of the arrest. That search revealed a large quantity of marijuana vape pen cartridges, along with an additional firearm and ammunition.
The arresting charge is preliminary. The Morgan County Prosecutor will determine actual charges upon review of the case.
