Beaumont man arrested for intoxicated manslaughter

Around 7 p.m. Oct. 3, Beaumont police responded to Hwy 105 in reference to a major vehicle crash, according to a news release.

BPD arrested Jonah Watts, 24, of Beaumont, Saturday after he allegedly drove the wrong way down the highway as he injured one and killed another. Preliminary investigation revealed Watts' vehicle was traveling west in the inside lane of Hwy 105 when it crossed the center turning lane and drove into the eastbound lanes and struck two vehicles. 

Both occupants of the victim vehicles were transported to a local hospital. That's where one of the victims, identified as 51-year-old Johnnie Longnion of Warren, was pronounced dead. 

Watts was taken to the Jefferson County Jail after being cleared at a local hospital.