Jonesboro Man Charged with Witness Intimidation After Alleged Threats

JONESBORO, Ark. — A Jonesboro man is facing a felony charge after authorities allege he attempted to intimidate a witness in a pending criminal case.

Charles Edward Beare has been charged with intimidating a witness, a Class B felony, after what police describe as an attempt to pressure the victim of a theft case to drop charges against Beare’s brother. According to a probable cause affidavit, Beare also allegedly threatened the man during the confrontation.

Police responded to a reported disturbance on August 22 at Garden Manor Apartments. The alleged victim told officers that Beare and several others had come to his residence, where Beare pressed him on whether he planned to proceed with charges against his brother, who had recently been arrested for reportedly stealing the victim’s firearm. According to the victim, Beare asked, "What we doing, bro? You gone drop the charges or not?"

The situation escalated, with Beare allegedly telling the victim to go "around the corner" to "shoot it out." The victim stated he was uncertain if Beare was armed, according to police.

After the victim provided descriptions of the vehicles used by the individuals at the scene, officers located Beare on David Cove. Police stated that Beare admitted to speaking with the victim but claimed the conversation centered on a separate incident. Following the investigation, Beare was arrested and taken to the Craighead County Detention Center.

Judge David Boling found probable cause for the charges during a court appearance on August 23, setting Beare’s bond at $50,000 cash or surety. According to court records, Beare had been arrested just days prior, on August 19, for firearm possession, and was reportedly on probation at the time of the alleged intimidation.

Beare is scheduled to appear in court again at 8:30 a.m. on September 30. Under Arkansas state law, intimidating a witness carries a possible sentence of five to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000 if convicted.

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