A Jonesboro woman is in custody after allegedly forcing her way into a residence and issuing violent threats following a dispute over rent money, according to authorities.
Miranda Leigh Watson, 33, is being held on a $10,000 cash or surety bond after District Court Judge David Boling found probable cause Friday to charge her with criminal attempt-aggravated residential burglary, first-degree terroristic threatening, and first-degree criminal mischief.
According to Detective Calvin Newman, the incident unfolded on Aug. 10 when Watson and a juvenile went to a home on Warren Street seeking financial assistance. After the resident refused to open the door or provide money, Watson purportedly began kicking the door repeatedly, causing significant damage to the door and its frame. Eventually, the door swung open, police said.
The victim was reportedly able to force Watson and the juvenile out of the residence, shutting and holding the door closed as Watson continued kicking and pushing against it. The situation escalated further when Watson allegedly made threats to have gang members harm the victim and shoot up the property after learning that police had been called.
“She advised she would have ‘GD’ members come to the residence to shoot up the residence and to kill [the victim],” Newman stated in the police affidavit.
The suspect then left the scene in a green Chevrolet Spark. Court records state that traffic cameras in the area confirmed the vehicle’s presence at the time of the 911 call.
A bench warrant for Watson’s arrest was issued by Second Judicial Circuit Court Judge Scott Ellington, and she was taken into custody on Thursday. Watson is being held in the Craighead County Detention Center and is scheduled for arraignment on Sept. 30.
Further updates on the case may be released as more information becomes available.