UPDATE: The previous charges against Peyton Watkins will be nolle prosed (dropped by the prosecutor) and he will now be charged with the following;
2 Counts of Assault in the 2nd Degree (Felony)
1 Count of Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance (Felony)
1 Count of Resisting Arrest (Misdemeanor)
1 Count of Obstructing Justice-Providing Law Enforcement False Identification (Felony)
Watkins is still confined at the Lauderdale County Detention Center and now has a bond of $8,800. Once he bonds out in Lauderdale County, he will be extradited toย Decatur County, TN for his active warrant there.
FLORENCE-On November 29, 2025 at approximately 12:20 p.m., Florence Police officers responded to a welfare check at Rickโs BBQ; 4260 Florence Boulevard after receiving a report of an individual slumped over behind the wheel of a vehicle. Upon arrival, officers came in contact with the subject in his vehicle. The subject was awake at the time of officerโs arrival. The subject initially refused to provide identification and later gave a false name and date of birth.
When officers attempted to further investigate and confronted the male about the false information, he attempted to flee on foot. A brief pursuit followed, during which the subject actively resisted arrest and fought with officers before being subdued and taken into custody.
Peyton Watkins
The individual was later identified as Peyton Watkins, 27, of Parsons, Tennessee. He has active felony warrants out of Tennessee, including Felony Theft of Property (Vehicle Theft) with the Decatur County Sheriffโs Office and Burglary to a Motor Vehicle with the Metro Nashville Police Department.
Two Florence Police officers sustained non-life-threatening injuries during the incident. Both were treated at a local medical facility; one officer received treatment for a cut above the eye, and the other was diagnosed with a deep contusion in the arm. One officer has been cleared to return to duty, while the other is temporarily off duty pending a follow-up evaluation.
Watkins is still currently confined at the Lauderdale County Detention Center for several charges including Resisting Arrest, Giving a False Name to Law Enforcement, and two counts of Assault 3rd Degree.ย His bond is set at $3,500. Once he bonds out, he will be extradited to Decatur County Sheriffโs Office in Tennessee for his active warrants.
This case remains under investigation. No further information will be released at this time.
Parsons is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Media Release/Joshua Meza/Florence Police Department/Public Information Officer
