CHARLESTON, SC – A seemingly bizarre and alarming attempt to mend a relationship through “prank” antics has led to the arrest of a South Carolina man after he allegedly broke into his ex-girlfriend’s home, wielding a knife while hiding in her shower with his face obscured by biker shorts.
The suspect, Jackson Arnold, 25, now faces multiple charges, including assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature, first-degree burglary, and possession of a weapon during a violent crime. Authorities claim Arnold entered the woman’s home on Westway Drive in Charleston through a detached garage apartment when no one was home.
According to an arrest report, Arnold concealed himself in the shower, intending to surprise his ex-girlfriend when she returned. He allegedly carried a knife, though specifics about the weapon have not been disclosed by police.
The situation escalated upon her arrival. Authorities say Arnold emerged from his hiding place and simulated stabbing and slicing motions towards her throat with the knife, an act he later claimed was intended as a joke to “lighten the mood” following a text message disagreement.
During the tense encounter, Arnold reportedly lifted the knife near his head, prompting the woman to instinctively push him away. Though the knife did not injure her, the confrontation took a frightening turn as Arnold allegedly began to choke her with his left hand, obstructing her breath.
The victim managed to remove the biker shorts obscuring Arnold’s face, revealing his identity as her ex-boyfriend. He allegedly attempted to explain his intention was to prank her and initiate a conversation. The frightened woman managed to escape and sought help from family members in the main house, ultimately leading them to contact 911.
Arnold remains detained at the Al Cannon Detention Center, awaiting his first court hearing scheduled for June 19.
The incident has raised concerns over domestic violence and the bizarre lengths to which individuals might go in ill-conceived attempts at reconciliation. As the legal proceedings unfold, the Arnold case underscores the importance of addressing domestic relationship issues through safe and respectful channels.