PARAGOULD, Ark. — A man is facing charges after allegedly threatening to shoot patrons in a bar parking lot when staff asked him to leave at closing time, according to an arrest affidavit from the Paragould Police Department.
Marcus James Taylor has been charged with first-degree terroristic threatening, a Class D felony, as outlined in the affidavit sworn on November 2.
The incident occurred on November 1, when patrol officers were called to a local bar following a report of a fight, Detective Lt. Jack Hailey wrote in the affidavit.
According to the document, bar staff had announced last call and informed patrons the establishment was closing. Taylor reportedly told employees he was not ready to leave. A friend attempted to escort him outside with the assistance of other patrons trying to guide him to his ride.
The affidavit states Taylor began shouting obscenities at customers and staff before allegedly saying, “I will shoot everyone in this parking lot.” The report does not indicate that Taylor displayed or possessed a firearm during the incident.
After reviewing the case, a judge found probable cause for Taylor’s arrest on November 2, setting bond at $10,000 cash or surety. As a condition of his release, Taylor is barred from contacting victims, witnesses, and others involved, and is prohibited from possessing any weapons.
As with all cases, Taylor is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.