Man with Child Exploitation Warrant Killed in Officer-Involved Shooting

On April 03, 2025, at approximately 3:30 p.m., after being identified as a suspect in a vehicle theft and foot pursuit that occurred earlier that day, Officers with the Bullhead City Police Department located Erick Tom Watkins, 48 of Bullhead City, in the parking lot of an apartment complex in the 1600 block of Highway 95. As Officer Sloan pulled into the complex, Watkins pulled a handgun and pointed it at him. As Officer Sloan exited his fully marked patrol unit, Watkins immediately began firing at him. The Officer engaged Watkins in gunfire.

A second officer, Officer Cornelison, arrived and also engaged with gunfire. During the gunfire, Watkins was struck several times. Officers performed life saving measures and requested medical personnel to the scene. Bullhead City Fire Department responded, however Watkins had succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased.

The body of the decedent was removed from the scene by the Mohave County Medical Examiner’s Office. A records check later revealed that Watkins had several felony arrest warrants out of California, to include Possessing Obscene Matter of a Minor and Forgery.