Sheriffs: Deputy's home was targeted

MILTON, Fla. (WALA) - Lieutenant Chris Watson, a 21-year veteran of the force, was on vacation with his family the weekend of April 21.

The Santa Rosa County Sheriff's Office said Watson found his home nearly burned down when he returned.

Deputies believe suspects tried to burn it to the ground. They succeeded in making it not livable.

“Number one - you’re glad your family is safe, and nobody was there when it happened," Watson said. "Number two - just like any other crime victim, you’re almost just sick to your stomach.”

The suspects also vandalized his patrol car and took off with his personal SUV, which deputies found ditched the next day.

Sergeant Scott Haines, the spokesman for the sheriff's office, said one of the scariest parts in all of this is what deputies say the suspects took from inside the home.

“If someone is brazen enough to do an act like this, without fear, now they’re armed with body armor, badges, ammunition, police radios - a lot of things that make them even more dangerous," Haines said. "So they are a considerable threat to the public.”

Watson said he doesn't think he deserves anymore attention than anyone else, but thinks this situation is far from normal.

"The circumstances are different than most other circumstances, and I think it makes them more dangerous," Watson said.

Since the crime, deputies have upped patrols at Watson’s residence.

“I think the person involved knew we weren’t at home and took that opportunity to take advantage of the situation. I think they’re cowards and wouldn’t confront me, to be honest," Watson said.

Watson’s wife is a probation officer in Santa Rosa County. So as this open investigation continues, deputies will try to find out exactly who was the target.

The sheriff's office is asking for the publics assistance in identifying anyone who was seen driving Watson's 2005 Chevrolet Avalanche for the time it was missing.

Santa Rosa CrimeStoppers is offering a reward of $5,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the responsible people.

Those with information can call Santa Rosa County CrimeStoppers at 437-STOP (7867) or by submitting a tip online .