Rouseville Man Jailed on Flight Charges

| October 15, 2017

SENECA, Pa. (EYT) — A Rouseville man is facing flight charges after he slipped away from police during an incident in Oil City last month.

According to a criminal complaint, on September 27, Sugarcreek Borough Police Officer Matthew Johnson went to 1116 West 2nd Street in Oil City to serve an arrest warrant on 34-year-old Michael Joe Watterson, of Rouseville.

The complaint states that Watterson was working at the house, installing a toilet for an elderly person. Officer Johnson explained the warrant to Watterson and then told him he could finish the work, so the resident would have a functioning toilet.

Officer Johnson told Watterson once he was done with the work, he would be taken into custody for arraignment, the complaint continues.

Officer Johnson watched from the doorway while Watterson worked. Watterson then called his girlfriend to explain what was going on. Oil City Police officers arrived at the residence to check on Johnson while he was in their jurisdiction, and they spoke for one to two minutes before Watterson’s parole officer arrived, the complaint states.

Officer Johnson then turned back to face the porch, and the homeowner said Watterson wasn’t in the house and wasn’t sure where he was headed. The person stated Watterson may have left the house by a rear door. Officer Johnson then searched the house, basement, backyard and surrounding yards, but couldn’t find Watterson, the complaint indicates.

Officer Johnson called Watterson, and the call was answered and there was talking, but the conversation was unintelligible. After a minute, the call ended, and after that, no one could contact Watterson, according to the complaint.

According to court documents, Watterson was arraigned at 2:00 p.m. on October 5 in District Judge Andrew Fish’ office on the following charges:

– Escape, Felony 3
– Flight To Avoid Apprehension/Trial/Punishment, Felony 3 (two counts)

Watterson was lodged in the Venango County Jail on $15,000.00 monetary bail.

During a preliminary hearing on October 11, Judge Fish ordered the two felony counts to be held for court.

The escape charge was dismissed.

Unable to post bail, Watterson remains incarcerated.

The case is working its way through the court system.

RELATED:

Sugarcreek Police Capture Wanted Man


Copyright © 2024 EYT Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. Any copying, redistribution or retransmission of the contents of this service without the express written consent of EYT Media Group, Inc. is expressly prohibited.

Category: Local News, News, Police & Fire Calls