December 19, 2015

Members of the Waynesboro Police Department and Augusta County Sheriff’s Office arrested a wanted Charlottesville man Thursday afternoon at a local motel. But his arrest was just one in a series of unfortunate results to befall him. Bryan Lee Watkins, 28 years old, faces several charges stemming from the hectic scene that played out at the Royal Inn, 2112 West Main Street.

On December 17, 2015 at approximately 12:15 PM, officers and deputies met at the motel in an effort to find Watkins who was wanted on a probation violation from Augusta County. The same information that led officers to the Royal Inn also indicated that he was armed. The room that Watkins was staying in was surrounded. As deputies attempted to make contact at the room’s front door, Watkins came out the back window. He had a handgun in each hand, i.e. a 9mm and a 22 caliber. Officers directed Watkins to relinquish his weapons at gunpoint and he complied. However, he decided to run away after dropping them.

With law enforcement in pursuit, Watkins ran but was stopped by a bystander, a 31 year old Waynesboro, who assisted in Watkins’ apprehension by hoisting him in the air and body slamming him to the ground. This did little to deter Watkins’ quest for freedom and he started his escape again. An officer had to utilize a Taser to subdue him finally.

After his arrest, officers searched his motel room and found marijuana and methamphetamine. In addition to the probation violations charge, Watkins faces the following Waynesboro felony charges:

• Possession of Methamphetamine
• Possession of Marijuana with the Intent to Distribute
• Possession of a Firearm while in Possession of a Schedule I or II Drug
• Possession of a Firearm by Convicted Felon

He is being held without bond at Middle River Regional Jail.