Kenai Police Officer John Patrick Watson was shot and killed on December 25th, 2003, after
locating a vehicle wanted by the Alaska State Troopers.
At 1941 hours, the troopers had asked for assistance in locating a newer silver colored Ford
Excursion being driven by the suspect. A citizen had reported to the troopers that the suspect
and a 21- year-old female, had left her residence in a Ford Excursion, and that the suspect
appeared intoxicated and agitated. The troopers were attempting to locate the vehicle in order
to conduct a welfare check.
Officer Watson went to the home of the suspect, but was unable to locate the truck. At 2016
hours, Officer Watson reported that he had just seen a vehicle matching the description of the
suspect vehicle driving past him. Officer Watson turned around and stopped the vehicle in the
driveway of the suspect's home. Officer Watson allowed the female companion to exit the vehicle
in order to take two dogs into the house.
During the stop, the suspect acted aggressively toward Officer Watson. As Officer Watson
attempted to arrest the suspect, a struggle broke out. At some point during their struggle, the
suspect was able to obtain Officer Watson's service weapon, a GLOCK 21, 45-caliber
semi-automatic handgun. The suspect fired two shots. One shot struck Officer Watson in the
back and was deflected by his bullet resistant vest. The second shot stuck Officer Watson in
the back of the head, killing him.
The suspect then walked into the residence where his female companion took the gun from him and
put it in the bedroom.
When back-up officers arrived, the female came to the door and ran from the residence unharmed.
The suspect refused to surrender. After a stand-off, the suspect surrendered to officers at
0107 hours. He was charged with first-degree murder.
Officer Watson was 43 years old, and a 18 year veteran of Kenai Police Department.
He is survived by his wife, children, mother, two brothers, and sister.
More information can be found
here.
Alaska Peace Officer Honour Roll
