Man threatened bug man with knife, police say

A 39-year-old man is in Travis County Jail after police say he threatened a pest control man with a knife.

James Edward Cothran could face up to 20 years in prison for an assault that police say took place Thursday when Cothran returned to his apartment in the 7100 block of North Interstate 35 to find his entry barred while a contracted pest control technician treated the home for bed bugs, an arrest affidavit said.

The technician attempted to keep Cothran out, telling Cothran he would have to halt the treatment and charge Cothran with any expenses that resulted, the affidavit said.

Police say that bugged Cothran, who became agitated and began trying to force his way inside, the affidavit said.

Cothran tried to push the door open while the pest control man held the door knob from turning, it said. Cothran pulled a knife from his pants pockets and threatened to stab the pest control man if he did not allow him inside, the document said.

The pest control man let Cothran inside, it said, and then called 911. He told police that Cothran had a blade between 4 and 5 inches long and that he feared for his safety, the affidavit said.

Cothran has been charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. His bail was set at $25,000.

Cothran had signed a written acknowledgement that the treatment would take place that day, and that it stated he should not be in the home while it was heated to about 140 degrees and treated with chemicals, the affidavit said.

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Man threatened bug man with knife, police say