Cleotha Watson. (PHOTO SUPPLIED)
Chicago, IL-(ENEWSPF)- A 27-year-old Riverdale man wanted for first degree murder was apprehended by members of the Cook County Sheriff’s Central Warrant Unit, Sheriff Thomas J. Dart announced June 28.
Cleotha Watson was taken into custody about 8:45 p.m. Thursday, June 20 after being located at his residence in the 13900 block of South Edbrooke Avenue in Riverdale.
The Central Warrant Unit, the Sheriff’s Police Gangs and Narcotics Unit and Riverdale Police learned that Watson may be at his home. After being let into the residence, officers located Watson and arrested him.
He was wanted for the Aug. 17, 2012 shooting death of Preston Strong. A $1 million arrest warrant was issued for Watson in September 2012. Police considered him armed and dangerous.
According to the Riverdale Police Department, Watson and Strong had a verbal argument in the 13900 block of South Clark Street. According to the department’s investigation, when Strong tried to walk away, Watson produced a handgun and shot Strong multiple times, killing him.
Watson appeared in bond court on Sunday, where his bond was set at $1 million for the murder charge and $100,000 an unrelated DUI charge. His next court date is scheduled for Tuesday, June 25 at the Markham Courthouse.
Sheriff Dart reminds the public that the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty by the government in a court of law.
