By William A. Weathers
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Jim Watters is hugged by his sisters after getting out of the Hamilton County Justice Center on Tuesday. (Michael E. Keating photo) | ZOOM |

Truck driver James "Jim" Watters said Tuesday he never intended to hit any war protestors when he drove his tractor-trailer rig up onto a sidewalk Monday in the West End.

"I did not intend to hurt anyone," Watters said shortly after his release from the Hamilton County Justice Center. "My intent was to get people off the bridge. I was doing it for the boys overseas."

His rig stopped about 10 feet shy of the group, which included a man in a wheelchair.

Watters, 49, was arrested Monday after he drove his semi on the sidewalk toward about 40 protesters who were gathered on the Ezzard Charles Drive overpass over Interstate 75.

The protestors scattered, and police arrested and charged Watters with aggravated menacing, inducing panic and reckless operation. He was released after relatives posted a $240 cash bond.

He said his 24-year-old son is a Marine sergeant serving in Kuwait.

"I've got a couple of relatives over there," the Westwood resident said in explaining his thinking when the incident occurred. "We've got soldiers over there in harm's way. We should back them. Be American. Back your president. Don't support Saddam Hussein. That's what they're doing."

The trucker said he plans to the fight the charges, and that co-workers have already raised $1,100 for his defense fund.

"I'm pleading not guilty," Watters said. "What I did was wrong. I did break a few laws, but I'm not guilty. I'm going to be a sacrificial lamb. I'm willing to stand up for that."

E-mail bweathers@enquirer.com