PARAGOULD, Ark. — A man is accused of sending repeated death threats to a person who reported the messages to Paragould police Sept. 30, according to an arrest affidavit.
The affidavit names Donald Watson and lists allegations of first-degree terroristic threatening, a Class D felony, and harassing communications, a Class A misdemeanor. Greene County District Court Judge Curtis Hitt found probable cause for his arrest Oct. 1.
Threats Reported to Police
The alleged victim told officers Watson began calling, messaging and harassing them Sept. 29, according to the affidavit. The communications continued after they told him to stop and escalated to threats to kill them.
The person provided text messages to police. In one, Watson allegedly threatened to kill them when they got out of their car the following morning.
“When I see you tomorrow morning, when you get out of your car it’ll be quick and painless,” one message read, according to the affidavit.
Paragould detectives conducted a follow-up interview with the person Oct. 1. During the recorded interview, Watson called and was placed on speakerphone, the affidavit states.
During that conversation, Watson admitted making threats, Detective Cpl. Tron Beasley wrote in the affidavit.
Bond and Release Conditions
In an order dated Oct. 1, Judge Curtis Hitt set Watson’s bond at $150,000, with surety or another form acceptable.
The order prohibits contact with the victim, witnesses or others involved in the case. It also prohibits Watson from possessing weapons and requires him to comply with ankle-monitor requirements and remain law-abiding.
All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
