The urge to pet a dog followed by several threatening text messages landed a 22-year-old Linton man behind bars on March 6 after an arrest for intimidation.

Linton Police Department Det. Logan Hobbs arrested Alexander Joseph Leigh on a felony intimidation charge after he sent several threatening text messages to a neighbor after she could not take a dog to him to pet. He also allegedly threw rocks at her residence and vehicle.

Hobbs was dispatched to an E Street Northwest Street residence in Linton after a call was made to dispatch. The caller reported an unruly subject, later identified as Leigh, was at her residence. When Hobbs arrived at the scene, Leigh was no longer there.

The caller told Hobbs Leigh had asked her to bring one of her dogs to his residence the previous day. She said she told Leigh she was busy and unable to bring the dog over at that time. That night, the caller alleged she began receiving text messages from Leigh. In one message, he told the caller to bring a dog over or he was walking to her residence and petting him by himself. Two minutes later, the caller received another text. The text stated, “F*****g come fight me b****”. Approximately one minute later, Leigh allegedly sent a message stating, “Let’s go rn (right now) and see who wins honestly don't know but sure af (as f***) am down to find out.” Threatening messages continued throughout the evening.

On March 6, the caller responded to Leigh’s messages by saying, “knock it the f*** off.” Leigh’s response was, “make me.” Later in the day, Leigh sent a message allegedly threatening to curb-stomp the caller to the ground. He also sent messages threatening to break the windows of her residence and “accidentally” kill a few of her animals. The caller provided Hobbs screenshots of the text conversations between her and Leigh.

She alleged prior to Hobbs’ arrival, Leigh had been in her driveway throwing rocks at her vehicle and residence. Two witnesses confirmed seeing Leigh throwing rocks and acting unruly.

Hobbs spoke with Leigh at his residence and he allegedly confirmed arguing with the caller. He admitted to sending many of the text messages but denied saying he would “curb stomp” her via text. He also denied going to her residence.

Leigh was transported to Greene County Jail where his bond was set at $4,000 surety with 10 percent allowed. He is being charged with intimidation, threat to commit a forcible felony, a Level 5 Felony.