JCPD NEWS RELEASE
SUBJECT: | Motor Vehicle Theft Arrest | DATE: | 12/07/17 | TIME: | 10:30 a.m |
PREPARED BY: | Inv. Josh Morgan | APPROVED BY: | Sgt Mike Adams/550 | ||
On 12/7/17 officers and investigators of the Johnson City Police Department arrested Laura A. Watts (1800 W. Lakeview Dr), 28 years old, and Savannah Willen (133 Wichita St.), 18 years old, in connection to two separate motor vehicle thefts.
On 11/12/17 a 2003 Ford Explorer was reported stolen from the Boones Creek area of Johnson City. Over the next several weeks the vehicle was spotted in various locations throughout the city but the occupants were able to elude law enforcement and avoid capture. The vehicle and license plate of the vehicle were altered in attempts to conceal the fact it was stolen. During the course of the investigation Laura Watts was developed as a suspect. On 12/6/17 Ms. Watts was taken into custody in an unrelated investigation. Investigators interviewed Ms. Watts and she admitted she’d driven the stolen Explorer and evaded law enforcement in that vehicle. However, she claimed she didn’t know where the car was at the time nor did she know who had it. In the early morning hours of 12/7/17 patrol officers spotted the stolen SUV near Wichita St. Officers attempted to stop the vehicle and the driver Savannah Willen attempted to flee on foot. Ms. Willen was quickly arrested by officers on scene. A male passenger also fled from the vehicle on foot. The stolen vehicle was then recovered.
Both Ms. Watts and Ms. Willen were placed under arrest and transported to the Washington County Detention Center. Laura Watts is charged with Evading Arrest, Driving on a Revoked License, Failure to Maintain Financial Responsibility, Reckless Driving, and Possession of Stolen Property over $1,000. Savannah Willen is charged with Simple Possession, Evading Arrest, No/Expired Driver License, Reckless Endangerment, and Receiving/Possessing Stolen Property.
Laura Watts was also developed as a suspect in an additional motor vehicle theft from 11/19/17. The victim reported her 2007 Saturn Ion was taken without her permission. Ms. Watts faces an additional charge of Motor Vehicle Theft over $1,000 in relation to that case.
Both Ms. Watts and Ms. Willen are scheduled for arraignment in Washington County General Sessions Court on 12/7/17 at 1:30 p.m.