By Ray King

A Jefferson County man who was arrested Wednesday after allegedly threatening a member of his family was released on his own recognizance after a court hearing Thursday.

Deputy Prosecutor Jay Girard asked Pine Bluff District Judge John Kearney to release Robert Collins, 43, and to order Collins to have no contact with the alleged victim until the case is settled.

Sheriff’s deputies arrested Collins after they were dispatched to a reported disturbance on Jewell Road in the White Hall area at 6:20 a.m.

Girard said Collins’ wife told deputies that she and a child were asleep on the couch when Collins, who was reportedly drunk arrived home and poured water on them. She said another son arrived and he and Collins got into a verbal altercation and after the other son left, Collins reportedly said “I will kill him.”

Sheriff’s Lt. John Bean spoke to the woman and to the son and they confirmed the threat with the son saying he was scared.

When Collins was interviewed, he said he had been drinking and didn’t remember what he said and also said he did not intend to harm the alleged victim.

Jude Kearney ruled prosecutors have probable cause to charge Collins, who said he would hire his own attorney, with terroristic threatening.