On Tuesday night Officer Jon Watson was recognized and received Honorable Mention Awards for his duties. The awards were presented to him at a City Council meeting in City Hall. The awards were presented due to the following incidents.
On June 12, 2017, Officer Watson was working on a High Intensity Drug Trafficking patrol along Interstate 94 (a joint federal grant) when he observed a vehicle traveling to close to another vehicle. A traffic stop was conducted and two individuals both from Michigan and one a previous felon were identified. A search of the vehicle located two guns in the vehicle, one stolen from a burglary in Pontiac. The subjects were arrested on gun charges, including a felon in possession of a firearm and driving while on a suspended license.
On October 2, 2017, Officer Watson conducted a traffic stop for a vehicle speeding on US 30 in Valparaiso. The driver was identified and a strong smell of marijuana was coming from inside the vehicle. The driver explained traveling from Minnesota to Fort Wayne and gave conflicting reasons for his travels. Further investigation located a small amount of marijuana and a handgun that had been stolen out of Genesse County, New York. The subject was arrested on numerous charges.
Due to Officer Watson’s actions three guns, two stolen were recovered and removed from the streets. Congratulations Officer Watson!