Watertown Police Apprehend Second Suspect In Violent Monday Night Shooting and Stabbing Attack

Gavin Collins has been arrested in Watertown for his alleged role in a shooting and stabbing. Read about the charges and the investigation details here.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 1, 2026, 9:39 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from WWNYTV

The Final Arrest in a Targeted Violent Encounter

A week long manhunt in the city of Watertown reached its conclusion Tuesday night as law enforcement successfully located the final suspect linked to a life threatening assault. Gavin Collins, 25, was taken into custody by the Watertown Police Department during the execution of a high stakes search warrant at a residence on Mullin Street. The arrest marks the end of an intensive investigation into a March 26 incident where a man was both shot and stabbed in a targeted attack. Collins was processed and moved to the Jefferson County Correctional Facility, where he remains detained as the legal process moves forward.

Severe Legal Ramifications for the Accused

The charges filed against Collins underscore the gravity of the allegations, as prosecutors have leveled second degree attempted murder and second degree assault counts against him. Additionally, the suspect faces a third degree criminal possession of a weapon charge, reflecting the violent nature of the tools allegedly used during the Burchard Street encounter. A judge has set bail at $250,000, signaling the court's concern regarding the severity of the crime and the potential flight risk involved. These charges mirror those faced by his alleged accomplice, highlighting a joint effort by the district attorney to seek maximum accountability for the coordinated violence.

Apprehension of the Initial Accomplice

The capture of Collins follows the earlier arrest of Howard Cowans, who was apprehended by officers on Friday, March 27. Cowans was located on William Street after being identified as a primary participant in the same Monday night shooting and stabbing. Like Collins, Cowans faces a battery of felony charges, including criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree. The sequential arrests of both men indicate a methodical approach by local investigators to dismantle the group responsible for the brazen street violence that has rattled the North Country community.