Postal inspector jailed for domestic violence

Historic City News received word that a 39 year-old United States Postal Inspector was arrested late Sunday as a result of a dispute with his brother — following the death of their father.

Bryan J. Watts was charged with domestic violence false imprisonment, domestic violence simple battery and domestic violence aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.

He was released Monday afternoon from the Flagler County Inmate Facility after posting $3,500 bond.

Flagler County Sheriff’s deputies said Watts had flown into Florida and traveled to his father’s Palm Coast home on Village Circle where he and his brother were attempting to settle his father’s estate.

According to Bryan Watts, the dispute started around 10 p.m. when he went into his father’s closet to retrieve his father’s firearms. He told deputies his brother, Brent, started to poke him in the chest during the argument.

Bryan then grabbed his brother by the throat, took him to the ground and handcuffed him. Bryan said his brother fled to a neighbor’s house and the Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene.

Deputies said when they arrived they found Bryan Watts armed with a semi-automatic handgun that was secured in a holster on the side of his belt. He immediately identified himself as a U.S. Postal Inspector.

His brother, Brent, 43, said Bryan became upset as they were going through their father’s papers. Brent said the two continued to argue as Bryan went through their father’s closet.

He said Bryan then grabbed him by his throat, slammed him on the closet floor and then punched him in the face. The brother said he was handcuffed with his hands behind his back. Brent told deputies his brother threatened to shoot him.

Deputies reported that when they arrived at the scene, Bryan was cooperative. A call was made to his supervisor who then requested deputies secure Bryan’s badge, handgun and credentials for safe keeping. The equipment was turned over to the postal service Monday.