Robbery Victims Breathe Easier After Arrest, Confession

York County authorities say Phillip Watts Jr. confessed to more than half a dozen armed robberies at businesses in the area Monday afternoon including the On the Spot check cashing business last week where police say he shot 43-year-old Ida Lord in the head. Lord is still in critical condition at Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte.

Only Eyewitness News was there when Watts surrendered to police at his girlfriend's apartment Monday. York County Sheriff Bruce Bryant told reporters he's never seen a more dangerous suspect in his 36-year career, saying, "to be honest with you, I've never worked one that is as frightening as this individual and the chaos that he's caused in the last three weeks."

Investigators believe Watts is also behind the robberies and shootings at Saltwater Seafood in Rock Hill January 28th and at the John Boy's store in Fort Mill February 5th. That's where the former mayor of Fort Mill, Charles Powers was shot. "It was just happening all over the area. And I think it relieves a lot of folks," he said.

Police say tips from the community and forensic evidence including the gun used in all the crimes --led them to Watts. Rock Hill Police Chief John Gregory says even they're relieved to have caught Watts. He said, "I truly believe that had we not identified him Saturday and captured him, he would have continued doing this. And that's what was frightening to us."

Watts bond hearing has not been set.

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