For Immediate Release

March 26, 2018

MIRAMAR BEACH, Fla— A frightening parking lot encounter leads to the arrest of a Jacksonville, Arkansas man for battery and false imprisonment.

Early in the morning on March 23rd an employee of the Cigar Factory closed the business and walked to her car to leave. She told investigators a man she had waited on earlier in her shift rushed toward her pushing her into her vehicle. The victim said she held on to the steering wheel in an attempt to fight off the suspect.

During the struggle, the victim said the suspect was holding her against her will while trying to unbutton her pants and pull his down. The victim continued to fight the suspect striking him several times. The suspect then fled the scene after hearing what he thought was another vehicle in the parking lot. The victim was able to quickly take a photo of the suspect’s vehicle as he left the scene.

While waiting on the suspect earlier in the night he eluded to staying in Destin Pointe while talking to the victim. Investigators located the vehicle matching the description at the Magnolia House in Destin. Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office was called in to assist and Johnathon Watson, 30, was taken into custody. Watson later admitted to investigators that he may have “went too far” and should have stopped when the victim was screaming “stop.”

Watson is charged with burglary with battery, false imprisonment, and battery. He was released the following day on $50,000 bond.