May 6, 2025

Charleston Man Arrested in Violent Prank Incident

News Summary

A Charleston man, Jackson Collum Arnold, was arrested after allegedly threatening his ex-girlfriend with a knife during a prank gone wrong. The incident happened early Sunday morning when Arnold hid in her apartment and emerged wearing her bike shorts over his head. He allegedly choked the victim and threatened her life, creating a dangerous situation. Authorities apprehended Arnold after responding to a disturbance call, leading to multiple charges including assault and first-degree burglary. The case raises concerns about the potential dangers of misguided humor.

Charleston, SC – A Charleston man, identified as Jackson Collum Arnold, was arrested early Sunday morning after an alleged violent incident involving a prank aimed at his ex-girlfriend. The incident took place around midnight Saturday in a modified garage apartment where the victim resided.

Arnold reportedly hid in the shower without permission and emerged holding a kitchen knife, wearing his ex-girlfriend’s bike shorts over his head. He allegedly threatened her by mimicking the act of slitting her throat, creating an alarming and dangerous situation. By the time authorities responded to a physical disturbance call around 1 a.m., Arnold was already in custody.

The victim first recognized Arnold due to the black biker shorts he was wearing on his head when she entered the apartment. Horrified, she screamed and attempted to push him away, terrified for her life. The situation escalated as Arnold allegedly choked the victim, held a knife to her head, and pushed her towards the door. Although he imitated slicing her throat, he did not break the skin.

Despite the terrifying ordeal, the victim managed to remove the shorts from Arnold’s head, confirming his identity as her on-and-off boyfriend. He dismissed the incident as a prank and claimed he wanted to talk. In an effort to defuse the situation, she remained calm and eventually contacted her family to call 911.

Investigators learned that Arnold had never lived at the victim’s home and did not have permission to enter the residence, raising questions about how he gained access. The method remains unclear, but a faulty side door lock may have played a role. Additionally, Arnold left his cell phone at home, potentially due to the use of the Life360 tracking app, which allowed his ex-girlfriend to see his location. His vehicle was parked several hundred feet away from the apartment at the time of the incident.

Upon police arrival, officers noted that Arnold had already been apprehended. However, they were unable to locate the kitchen knife allegedly used during the confrontation. Arnold was subsequently booked at the Sheriff Al Cannon Detention Center shortly after 7 a.m. on Sunday, facing multiple charges including assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature, first-degree burglary, and possession of a weapon during a violent crime.

As of now, details regarding Arnold’s bond have not been released. He is scheduled to make his first court appearance in June, where further legal proceedings will determine the outcome of the case.

This incident has highlighted the risks associated with misguided attempts at humor that can escalate into violence, reminding the community about the importance of respecting personal boundaries and ensuring safety in relationships.

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Author: STAFF HERE CHARLESTON

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