A person whom the Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD) described as a “convicted cocaine felon” could face federal prosecution after authorities arrested him for allegedly shooting his girlfriend last week.
MNPD officials this week announced the arrest of that man, Demarco Watson, 25.
“As part of the MNPD’s precision policing strategy to locate wanted violent felons, TITANS (The Investigative Team Addressing Neighborhood Shootings) Unit detectives located Watson on Nolensville Pike near Elberta Street standing outside of his 2014 model Ford Mustang. He was taken into custody as he tried to flee on foot,” according to an MNPD press release.
“At the time of his arrest, Watson was carrying 2.1 grams of cocaine and a digital scale. Inside his car was a semi-automatic pistol with an extended magazine. As a convicted felon (received a six-year probated sentence last year), Watson is prohibited by federal and state law from having a gun. In Saturday’s shooting case, Watson came to his girlfriend’s apartment and engaged in an argument with her. She said he fired a shot, which grazed her head.”
Watson is presently jailed in lieu of $203,500 bond on state charges of aggravated assault, unlawful gun possession, and felony cocaine possession, the press release said.
The MNPD press release did not elaborate on Watson’s girlfriend and her condition after the shooting.
MNPD officials this week also said that thieves in Nashville continue to steal firearms from parked vehicles.
“More than 70 percent of ALL guns reported stolen in 2021 (1,334) were taken from vehicles. Last week, 30 guns were stolen from cars and trucks,” according to an MNPD press release.
“Going hand in hand with vehicle burglaries is vehicle theft. A review of last week’s stolen vehicle reports in Nashville shows that 66 percent of the automobiles taken (48 of 73) were easy targets because the keys were left inside or made available to thieves. Twelve of the 73 vehicles stolen were left running without the driver present. Just like guns taken from vehicles, these stolen autos are also routinely involved in criminal activities, including car jackings and robberies.”
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Chris Butler is an investigative journalist at The Tennessee Star. Follow Chris on Facebook. Email tips to [email protected].
