A Hot Springs Village man was arrested Wednesday night after allegedly chasing his wife through the house with a knife and threatening to kill his family, including his son and grandson.
Charles Edward Pickle, 66, of 133 E. Villena Drive, was taken into custody at his residence and charged with a felony count of aggravated assault on a family or household member, punishable by up to six years in prison.
Pickle remained in custody Thursday in lieu of $2,500 bond and is set to appear today in Garland County District Court.
According to the probable cause affidavit, around 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Hot Springs Village Police Officer Susan Musler was dispatched to the residence regarding a man threatening to kill his family who was believed to have a gun or knife.
Upon arrival, Musler made contact with Pickle's wife, 62, who "appeared distraught" and was "red in the face and out of breath." She stated she had been running from her husband and had to run out the back door and in through the front door several times to get far enough ahead of him to be able to get to her car and lock herself inside to call police.
She said she feared for her safety and that of her son, her son's girlfriend and their son. She said after locking herself in her car she thought about leaving but didn't want to leave her family behind in danger.
The son's girlfriend, who was also "shaking and upset," stated Pickle had a knife in his hand while he was chasing his wife.
Pickle's son was upset and concerned for the safety of his son. When Musler tried to speak to Pickle she noted he "didn't seem capable of focusing on one topic at a time." She also noted he appeared intoxicated with a smell of intoxicants emanating from his person.
Pickle would not answer the officer's questions and kept saying he didn't know why he was there. Musler took Pickle into custody noting she believed his wife and family were in fear for their safety.
While handcuffing Pickle, he allegedly told Musler he was going to wrestle her and "get out of his cuffs." He made similar remarks while she was putting him into her police unit and continued to resist officers while being buckled in.
According to court documents, Pickle was previously arrested for third-degree domestic battery involving his wife on Aug. 27, 2019, and pleaded guilty the next day in district court. It was noted his family believed he was suffering from early onset dementia so sentencing was continued until June 18, 2020, while medical treatment was sought.
Judge Joe Graham indicated if no charges were filed and there were no further problems he would dismiss the case.
Local on 05/15/2020