A Paragould man is facing felony and misdemeanor charges after police say he made repeated harassing communications and threatened to kill anyone his estranged wife brought near their child.
Eric Jason Tyler Johns is charged with first-degree terroristic threatening, a Class D felony, and harassing communications, a Class A misdemeanor. The charges stem from 59 phone calls and 34 messages allegedly sent to his estranged wife in a 90-minute period on July 28, according to a probable cause affidavit filed in Greene County District Court.
Detective Aaron Gamber of the Paragould Police Department stated in the affidavit that during the communications, Johns allegedly threatened to kill any man the woman brought around their child. The victim also told police Johns referenced another person’s vehicle parked at her home. She later provided investigators with a screenshot of the message, the affidavit noted.
On July 29, Detective Gamber interviewed Johns after reading him his Miranda rights. During the interview, Johns admitted to making the calls and sending the messages, as well as to issuing the threat, according to the affidavit.
District Judge Curtis Hitt found probable cause for an arrest warrant and set Johns’ bond at $100,000 surety. If released, Johns will be required to follow strict conditions, including wearing an ankle monitor, avoiding contact with victims or witnesses, possessing no weapons, and adhering to all laws.
The charges against Johns are allegations at this stage, and he is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.