Date: October 22, 2026
Prepared by: Joseph Bober, Public Information Officer
Email: PIO@flaglersheriff.com
Release #: 2026 – 228
The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office has made three arrests, including two fugitives from justice, after a trespassing call led to deputies locating the fugitives at the same property.
On the evening of Oct. 21, deputies responded to a trespassing complaint concerning squatters at a property on Hickory Street in Bunnell. Before deputies arrived, the Flagler County Emergency Communications Center relayed information that a woman with an active arrest warrant, Melissa Byrd, 38, of Bunnell, was known to reside at the location. Byrd was wanted for violation of probation from a prior arrest for possession of fentanyl.
Following Byrd’s arrest, deputies were advised that another fugitive with an active arrest warrant, Gage Watts, 30, of Bunnell, was inside the main residence at the same property. Watts was wanted for violation of drug probation following an arrest for possession of fentanyl and possession of methamphetamine. The FCSO Fugitive Apprehension Unit had previously been searching for Watts and had confirmed through investigative means that he was hiding at the property.
Through previous interactions with law enforcement, Watts was known to have a history of violence, had multiple instances of resisting arrest, and was known to previously be in possession of a weapon. Due to Watts’ prior history, the Fugitive Apprehension Unit, Problem Area Crime Enforcement Unit, K-9 Unit, Unmanned Aircraft Systems Unit, and patrol deputies coordinated to safely serve the warrant and make an arrest.
While deputies were staging outside the property, Kobe Watts, 28, of Bunnell — Gage Watts’ brother — exited the main residence and approached deputies. Kobe Watts told deputies that his brother was not at the property, and he had not heard from him or seen him in over a month. Deputies informed him they were aware that Gage Watts was inside the residence and repeatedly warned him that he would be arrested if he continued to hinder or obstruct deputies’ attempt to serve the warrant. Despite this, he continued to insist he had not seen his brother, and he was the only person at the residence.
Deputies then knocked on the front door and ordered Gage Watts to exit the residence. Within a few minutes, he opened the door and was taken into custody. Deputies then also took Kobe Watts into custody.
During a search, a clear plastic bag fell from Kobe Watts’ pants onto the ground. He then told deputies he may have narcotics in one of his socks. A further search yielded a piece of paper with narcotics residue, which later tested positive for methamphetamine, as well as a bottle cap and a cotton ball — commonly used as a filter prior to injecting drugs.
Deputies arrested Byrd and Gage Watts on their active warrants. Deputies also arrested Kobe Watts for possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, and resisting an officer without violence. All three were transported to the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility. Byrd and Gage Watts are both being held without bond; Kobe Watts is being held on a $7,000 bond.
Melissa Byrd, Gage Watts, and Kobe Watts (Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility mug shots)
“Sometimes you never know what surprises a call for service can bring. This started as a call to evict some squatters and led to the arrests of two fugitives, plus a third career criminal who was dumb enough to lie to deputies and get himself arrested with drugs in his boot,” said Sheriff Rick Staly. “Obviously, the apples didn’t fall far from the tree as both brothers are career criminals and frequent visitors to the Green Roof Inn or state prison. I commend everyone involved who worked together to get them off the streets and hold them accountable.”
Both Watts brothers are well known to law enforcement, as they each have extensive arrest histories.
Gage Watts has been arrested 11 previous times for charges including trafficking in methamphetamine, sale of methamphetamine, possession of cocaine, possession of fentanyl, possession of marijuana, possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, resisting an officer without violence, and DUI with property damage. His prior arrests have resulted in convictions for four felonies and eight misdemeanors. He has served two sentences in state prison.
Kobe Watts has been arrested 18 previous times for charges including trafficking in fentanyl, sale of methamphetamine, possession of cocaine, burglary with assault or battery, grand theft, criminal mischief with $1,000 of property damage or more, resisting an officer without violence, and unlawful use of a two-way communication device. His prior arrests have resulted in convictions for five felonies and three misdemeanors. He has served one sentence in state prison.
View body camera footage from the arrests.
