WEST LONG BRANCH, NJ — Thomas Watts, a 70-year-old resident of Long Branch, was arrested on March 14, 2024, facing charges of stalking and harassment following a series of alarming incidents targeting a 17-year-old victim. The West Long Branch Police Department, including Detective Ryan Buck and Sergeant Jeffrey Hanlon, apprehended Watts after a detailed investigation into his activities around the local ShopRite and other locations frequented by the victim.
The investigation was triggered by a complaint received on March 8, 2024, detailing suspicious behavior at approximately 10:00 pm. Watts was reported to have left notes and flowers for the victim at the ShopRite in West Long Branch, initiating a pattern of stalking behavior that escalated over time. Further investigation revealed that Watts not only left unsolicited gifts but also surveilled the victim from the parking lot and pursued her in his vehicle.
The situation intensified when Watts tracked the victim to Long Branch High School. Here, he left more flowers and a disturbing note on the victim’s windshield, having watched her from a distance. He then followed the victim to her home, raising serious concerns for her safety and prompting police intervention.
Watts was identified as the suspect through surveillance and was found operating a 2016 gray Toyota Corolla.