By John Dobberstein, Editor
Another Broken Arrow police officer has been fired for his behavior, this time for public drunkenness while off duty, police records and media reports say.
Braden Lane Watts was arrested on June 13 for alleged public drunkenness at an Oklahoma City hotel. Footage of a conflict between Watts and arresting Oklahoma City police officers was caught on officer body cameras, sources said.
It’s unclear if Watts was ever charged, as his name does not appear in Oklahoma’s courts database.
The Oklahoma City Police Department has not responded to a Freedom of Information Act request from the Sentinel about the case, which was filed several weeks ago.
Broken Arrow Police Department Public Information Coordinator Ethan Hutchins confirmed Watts was employed with the BAPD. An internal investigation was conducted over the phone incident and after its conclusion Watts was terminated.
Watts is the fifth police officer to be fired from the police department this year for conduct on or off duty.
Additionally Tuesday, a Broken Arrow firefighter has been put on administrative leave for his alleged actions during an incident on Keystone Lake last month.
Various media reports state Justin Williams was arguing with people riding ATVs near Keystone Lake for allegedly getting means in his boat. Williams allegedly brandished a gun during the incident and the Pawnee County Sheriff’s Department was called.
Williams is charged with reckless conduct with a firearm, a misdemeanor, and he has pleaded not guilty.
“The Broken Arrow Fire Department is aware of an off-duty firefighter who was involved in an encounter outside Broken Arrow city limits. An internal investigation has been opened to thoroughly review the situation,” the BAFD said. “The employee has
been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the internal investigation.”
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