A Batesville man has been arrested in Stone County after allegedly threatening to kill a 17-year-old with a knife during a dispute witnessed by his four-year-old son.
According to a probable cause affidavit from the Stone County Sheriff’s Office, 36-year-old Cody Nathanial Smith is being held at the Stone County Jail on charges of aggravated assault and first-degree terroristic threatening. He also faces an enhanced penalty for allegedly committing a felony in the presence of a minor. Smith’s bond has been set at $50,000.
Deputies report the incident occurred at a family member’s home. The 17-year-old victim stated that Smith arrived uninvited and accused him of overcharging for flooring work. A physical altercation reportedly began, during which Smith allegedly reached for a knife. The teenager said he kicked Smith in response.
Smith then allegedly retrieved a razor blade knife, threatened to kill the victim, and began chasing him, according to the affidavit. The victim said the four-year-old boy witnessed the altercation and shouted for the pair to stop. Smith’s wife, who was holding the child, reportedly intervened and managed to separate the two before getting Smith to retreat indoors.
Responding deputies spoke with Smith, who claimed the teenager’s body language provoked him and said he pulled the knife in self-defense.
Smith faces serious charges stemming from the alleged incident, including the penalty enhancement due to involvement of the minor. The investigation remains ongoing.