CORPORAL LUCAS WATTS
On the afternoon of November 16, 2023, Oconee County Sheriff's deputies pulled over a man driving a pick-up truck. However, after initially pulling over, the man sped away. The driver led officers on a pursuit when, after about four miles, shots were fired.
Corporal Lucas Watts was hit by gunfire and seriously injured. He underwent multiple surgeries. Following these surgeries, he remained in stable but critical condition. In December of 2023, Lucas was transferred to the Shepherd Center in Atlanta, Georgia for medical rehabilitation. After spending months at the Shepherd Center, Lucas returned home in May of 2024. His recovery continued at home, spending many hours in physical therapy and traveling back and forth to medical appointments.
Lucas's recovery is ongoing as he continues to improve each and every day.
He and his wife, Haley, welcomed their first child in September 2023.