JONESBORO, Ark. — A former employee faces a felony charge after authorities said he threatened to shoot two managers and shoot up and burn down a Jonesboro business days after being fired.
Courtland Blake is charged with first-degree terroristic threatening, a Class D felony, according to court records.
Officers were dispatched Aug. 3 to a business on East Highland Drive following a report of a person with weapons, according to a probable cause affidavit. Officers found Blake at the business. The affidavit does not state whether officers found a weapon.
Investigators said Blake had been fired July 31 and had no legitimate reason to be on the property. Witnesses told police Blake said he was waiting for two specific managers “to walk him out.”
Blake then allegedly threatened to shoot both managers and “shoot this bitch up,” the affidavit said.
Investigators also located a Facebook Live video that allegedly showed Blake visibly upset and complaining about not being paid and the company barring people from the property.
During an interview with a detective, Blake admitted telling others at the business that he would burn it down, according to the affidavit.
Special Judge Ralph Wilson found probable cause for the charge and set Blake’s bond at $65,000 cash or surety. His next court appearance is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. Sept. 30 at the Craighead County Courthouse.
All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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