TV reporter charged with peeping

APEX -- Police charged an NBC17 reporter today with peeping into a woman's bathroom window.

Eric Watson, 34, of 201 Old Grove Lane was charged with one misdemeanor count of secret peeping, Apex police Capt. Ann Stephens said this afternoon.

A witness reported seeing a man peeping into a window of a house in the Brittany Trace subdivision about 6 a.m. Thursday, Stephens said. The couple who live at the home and their neighbors were on the lookout this morning to see whether the man would return.

"He did return," Stephens said. The man fled, she said

Police apprehended Watson a few blocks from the neighborhood. NBC 17 reported today that police also impounded a vehicle belonging to the TV station.

In a statement on the NBC17 Web site, Watson said he was the victim of mistaken identity.

"I assure you all that I am outraged over this matter and plan to prove my innocence if it's the last thing I do on God's Earth," Watson said in the statement.

"I apologize for the embarrassment caused to my fellow co-workers, the station and Media General," he said. "On the other hand I do not apologize for being mistaken for someone else whom according to my accuser said he 'saw a black man about 6'2'' and build peeping into a window on Thursday."

Station News Director Nannette Wilson also issued a statement to employees. "We hope that you understand that this incident is not representative of NBC17 and what we stand for," she said. "We promise you that we are dealing with this openly, honestly and fairly."

Police took Watson to the Wake County jail. He was released on a written promise to appear in court.

Watson said he has been with NBC17 since November and covers Chatham County.