2002-09-20


NORMAN (AP) -- The son of U.S. Rep. J.C. Watts was arrested Thursday on a domestic abuse complaint.

Jerrell Christopher Watts, 23, was being held in the Cleveland County Detention Center without bond Thursday night, authorities said.

An initial police report states that the 21-year-old female victim told police she and Watts got into an argument in Norman about 3:45 p.m. Watts struck the victim across the face twice open handed, it says.

The report states the victim fell to the ground and scuffed up the heel of her right hand.

J.C. Watts, R-Norman, announced in July that he would retire from his 4th Congressional District seat after four terms to spend more time with his wife and five children.

Telephone calls to Watts' congressional office in Norman Thursday night were not returned.