A woman in Jonesboro faced a frightening situation after offering temporary help to a man she met online, only for the situation to escalate into alleged threats against her and her family, according to authorities.
Police say Tarvon Chalmers, 25, has been charged with felony first-degree terroristic threatening, along with misdemeanor counts of criminal trespassing and possession. He was taken into custody and booked at the Craighead County Detention Center.
According to investigators, the woman had known Chalmers through Facebook since last year and considered him a friend. When he reportedly lost his place to stay after an argument, she allowed him to spend the night at her home out of concern.
However, what began as a kind gesture soon turned unsettling. Days later, when she asked him to leave, police say Chalmers became aggressive. He allegedly demanded $100 to leave and threatened to damage her belongings if she contacted authorities.
The situation escalated further when he allegedly made violent threats, including harming her and her family. Fearing for her safety, the woman left home with her child and later contacted police while at work.
Officers responded to her residence, where Chalmers was still inside. He was arrested without further incident. Authorities also reported finding marijuana in his possession during the arrest.
Chalmers is currently being held on a $15,000 bond, and a no-contact order has been issued. He is scheduled to appear in court on May 18.
