Neighbor Accused of Forcing Way Into Jonesboro Home, Assaulting Resident

JONESBORO, Ark. — A Jonesboro resident is accused of forcing his way into a neighbor’s home, assaulting him and threatening to kill him during an encounter that allegedly began as a conversation.

Jacob Larone Smith, 30, was arrested on suspicion of aggravated residential burglary, a Class Y felony; first-degree terroristic threatening, a Class D felony; and misdemeanor battery and theft charges.

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Jonesboro police responded June 9 to the 1400 block of Nelms Street after receiving a report of a disturbance that had already occurred, according to a probable cause affidavit.

The alleged victim told officers Smith knocked on his door and began speaking with him after the door was opened. During the conversation, Smith allegedly pushed past the resident and entered the home without permission.

The resident noticed Smith looking at money lying on a table, the affidavit states. Smith then began talking about his mother’s death.

When the resident told Smith to leave the trailer, Smith allegedly pushed him over a recliner and began fighting with him. Police reported that the resident suffered injuries to his face, torso, and wrist.

Smith allegedly told the resident he was an ex-Marine and threatened to kill him before leaving the home. The resident later discovered that approximately $9 was missing from the table, according to the affidavit.

A witness told officers Smith came to his home after the altercation and entered after the witness answered the door. Smith again began talking about his mother’s death but left without incident when asked to go, the affidavit states.

The witness later saw Smith apologize to the alleged victim. Both the witness and the resident told police Smith had recently moved into the residential complex and that they did not know him well.

Smith’s bond was set at $35,000 cash or surety. His next court appearance is scheduled for July 30.

All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.