WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. — Missing teenager Roberta Ann Watchman was found safe in Wheatfields, Ariz. around 1:55 pm June 30.
The Navajo Police Department which had been searching for the teen since she was reported missing by her grandmother 12 days before, also arrested the girl's father, Ozzy Watchman without incident.
The teen was last seen leaving her grandmother's residence with her father who is a registered sex offender from Sawmill, Ariz.
Around 12:32 pm on June 3,0 a maintenance worker called Navajo Police to say he had seen Watchman and his daughter at Wheatfields Lake in Wheatfields, Ariz.
The senior Watchman had reportedly approached the worker to ask if he and his daughter could help pick up trash in exchange for food. The worker recognized Watchman.
Navajo Police Department Window Rock District, Navajo Department of Criminal Investigation, Federal Bureau of Investigations, and the Navajo Department of Emergency Management responded to the location and successfully located Roberta Watchman and arrested Ozzy Watchman.
The initial search for the two began in Sawmill, Ariz., where they were believed to be on foot. A search within the Sawmill community was ongoing, and included several overnight operations. Tips and leads were submitted by the public to the Window Rock District with officers following up on reported sightings.
“We want to thank the individual who recognized the suspect and immediately called the police department," Navajo Police Department Chief Phillip Francisco said. "His vigilance and quick response led to successfully locating Roberta Watchman and apprehending Ozzy Watchman.
“I also want to thank our officers, Department of Emergency Management, Department of Criminal Investigations, and our state, county, and federal partners for their contribution to this search,” he said.
