Six Arrested by Colombian Police in Murder of DEA Agent James Terry Watson

Police in Colombia have arrested six suspected gang members in the murder of DEA Special Agent James "Terry" Watson.

According to the Associated Press, Metropolitan Bogota police commander Luis Edwardo Martinez announced the arrest of the sixth suspect on Wednesday. Police believe that the June 20 slaying occurred during a robbery and was not related to Watson's work.

As previously reported, U.S. Ambassador to Colombia Michael McKinley first announced Watson's death on Friday, June 21. Watson, 43, was on temporary duty in Bogota at the time of the incident. According to McKinley, Watson was leaving a Bogota restaurant with friends after watching the NBA Finals when the robbery attempt occurred.

Gen. Camilo Cabana of the National Police told reporters that the special agent had taken a cab, which was then intercepted by another cab three blocks away. Cabana stated that two men got out of the other cab, tried to pull Watson from his cab and stabbed him three times in the chest and once in the leg.

During his interview with the local Radio Caracol, McKinley called on the locals of Parque de la 93, where the slaying occurred, to help authorities find any suspects. A 50 million pesos ($25,800) reward was offered by the police department for information leading to the arrest of the assailants. On Tuesday, Gen. Jose Roberto Leon told reporters that an informant will receive the reward for helping police with information.

On Wednesday, officials said the group had apparently carried out similar robberies involving taxis in the past.

In a statement released by the DEA last week, DEA Administrator Michele M. Leonhart stated, "We are all saddened by this devastating loss of a member of the DEA family. Terry was a brave, talented DEA Special Agent who served our agency for 13 years. These are the worst days for anyone in law enforcement and we grieve Terry's loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with Terry's wife and family, and we will forever carry his memory in our hearts."

According to the DEA's press release, Watson had previously served in Honolulu, Hawaii and San Juan, Puerto Rico, as well as serving three deployments to Afghanistan. Before working for the DEA, Watson worked for the U.S. Marshals Service and served in the U.S. Army, the DEA confirmed.

Reuters reported that Leon confirmed that the United States has sought the extradition of those involved in the murder.