An Akron man now facing 24 charges for allegedly crashing into several Cuyahoga Falls police vehicles — seriously injuring one officer — is claiming insanity as his defense.
Donald Watson, 46, who is in the Summit County Jail, refused earlier this week to accept the supplemental indictment filed against him with 17 more charges. He also was unwilling to go to the Summit County Courthouse for his arraignment on the new charges.
Watson, however, was cooperative Friday morning during his video arraignment from the jail. He pleaded not guilty.
The new charges, which include multiple counts of attempted murder and felonious assault, are on top of the seven charges he already was facing for the July incident.
Police say Watson intentionally crashed into three parked Cuyahoga Falls patrol cars July 23 then fled and crashed into Officer Ted Davis’ cruiser, landing them both in the hospital. Prior to going to the Falls, police say Watson started a fire at a Cutler Parkway home in Akron.
Watson, 46, of Akron, pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to his initial charges Sept. 19 in Summit County Common Pleas Court. He is being held on a $75,000 bond.
Judge Lynne Callahan granted a request from John Greven, Watson’s attorney, for a competency and sanity evaluation. The report is expected to be completed in time for a Nov. 22 status hearing.
“He has a long, long history of psychiatric issues,” Greven said. “He has had several diagnoses.”
A Summit County grand jury originally indicted Watson on charges of attempted murder, felonious assault, aggravated arson, failure to comply with the order of a police officer, vandalism and criminal damaging.
Summit County Prosecutor Sherri Bevan Walsh said the first charges stemmed from the injuries to Davis. She said the new charges are connected to “the other victims” from the incident or the officers and citizens whom Watson allegedly crashed into or attempted to hit, including a police K-9 dog, Diesel, who was in one of the cruisers parked in the police department lot. Neither Diesel nor the other officers or citizens was injured.
Falls Chief Jack Davis said his department had only minor dealings with Watson prior to the incident.
“Nothing to indicate there would be any violence or ill will toward the police department at all,” the chief said this week.
Minutes before Watson arrived at the police department, dispatchers received a 911 call from a man shouting expletives.
“I’ll kill all you motherf-----s,” the caller shouted. “Burn in hell, you f------ puppets.”
Ted Davis, an 11-year veteran of the police department, was hospitalized for a week and then began rehabilitation.
Chief Davis said the younger Davis, who are unrelated, is now working half days, doing light duty.
“He’s progressing, which is good,” the chief said.
The incident caused about $65,000 damage to Falls police vehicles, including Davis’ cruiser that had to be replaced, the chief said.
The Falls law department is investigating how the city can pursue restitution for this expense, Davis said.
Davis thanked the community for the outpouring of support the department received, including people dropping off food, water and cards, offering prayers and donating money to help Davis and his family.
For those still wishing to help Davis, a fund remains open at the Falls Catholic Credit Union. Donations may be made in his name by calling 330-929-7341 or stopping in at 33 Graham Road.
Stephanie Warsmith can be reached at 330-996-3705 or swarsmith@thebeaconjournal.com. Follow on Twitter: @swarsmithabj and on Facebook: www.facebook.com/swarsmith.