Couple with cocaine and Fentanyl arrested after crashing car and fleeing police

Earlier this week, the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office shared details of an investigation they started back in June 2020 when their Special Investigations Unit began a drug investigation involving William Watson,42, who lives in Vero Beach, Florida.  That investigation ended with multiple drug buys of multiple controlled substances that resulted in Watson’s arrest.

Watson was charged with:

• Sale of Cocaine within 1000’ of a school (two counts)
• Sale of Heroin within 1000’ of a school
• Sale of Buprenorphine within 1000’ of a school
• Possession of Cocaine (two counts)
• Possession of Heroin
• Possession of Buprenorphine

In July of 2020, Watson was granted a motion to reduce bond under multiple conditions to include no alcohol or drugs and abide by a 6 pm – 6 am curfew.

Unrelated to his 2020 charges, Watson has not had a valid Florida driver’s license since 2011 and has 20 active suspensions.

After receiving multiple complaints of his continued sale of illegal drugs while out on bond, Watson garnered the attention of the Sheriff’s Street Crimes Unit.

On April 16th, 2021, around midnight, Watson was observed, yet again, engaged in illegal drug sales and operating a motor vehicle. A traffic stop was attempted from which Watson fled, reaching speeds of over 60 miles per hour in residential areas even after deputies broke off the chase.

Watson eventually crashed in the area of Whispering Palms and fled from the vehicle on foot. Angela Duke, the front seat passenger, followed Watson’s lead and also fled from the crash on foot.

With the assistance of the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office HAWK helicopter, Duke and Watson were apprehended at a nearby residence. Watson entered the home and pretended to be asleep.

Watson faces additional criminal charges of:

• Aggravated flee and elude
• Reckless driving
• Driving while license suspended
• Resisting arrest without violence
• Possession of Cocaine
• Possession of Fentanyl

Watson is being held without bond at the Indian River County Jail. Duke was arrested and charged with resisting arrest without violence.

Watson is a 16-time convicted felon in the State of Florida with charges that include multiple drug sales, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, battery on a law enforcement officer, and interference with child custody. Watson was released from the Florida Department of Corrections in March of 2020 after his sixth stint in prison.

(Source: IRCSO)

Posted by Richard Webster, Ace News Today   /   Follow Richard on Facebook and Twitter