DESTIN, Fla., Nov. 1, 2024—A Texas man has been charged with threatening to kill a woman while she sat on a bench in Destin early yesterday morning.

The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office charged Paul Benton Besinger, 58, of San Antonio, with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon.

The victim says Besinger approached her from behind while she sat on a bench behind the Harvest House Food Pantry & Thrift Store on Mountain Drive, grabbed her by the hair and put a knife to her neck, screaming that he was going to kill her, according to an OCSO news release.

She attempted to grab the knife, then ran away screaming for help. A witness placed himself between the victim and Besinger who walked away, according to the arrest report.

An OCSO deputy who arrived on scene stopped Besinger at gunpoint, according to the release.

During transport to the Okaloosa County Jail, Besinger said, ‘I’m glad I didn’t kill her.” He was reportedly angry that she had his vehicle towed.

The victim suffered a small laceration on her neck, chin and right hand.

Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office news release