Palm Desert Man Arrested In Boomers Robbery

A Palm Desert man – who was released on bail 10 days ago in a burglary case -- was arrested early today on suspicion of armed robbery at the Boomers in Cathedral City.

Howard William Watson, 39, was taken into custody at 3:09 a.m. Wednesday, according to jail records.

Watson had been released on April 10 on $50,000 bail in a case that involves charges of burglary and possessing fictitious checks. He was arrested in that case in February.

In the more recent case, Watson allegedly brandished a knife at employees at the Boomers at 67700 E. Palm Canyon Drive about 10:50 p.m. Tuesday, according to Sgt. Dave Hatfield of the Cathedral City Police Department.

Watson, who was reportedly wearing dark clothing and a ski mask, is suspected of running off with an undisclosed amount of cash, the sergeant said.

Cathedral City police found Watson nearby and detained him, and a search of the area turned up discarded clothing and a knife, Hatfield said.
Officers widened their search and found cash hidden in the desert, according to the sergeant.

Watson is being held in lieu of $40,000 at the Indio Jail.

He is tentatively set to appear in court on Friday for arraignment.