A violent altercation in Horry County, South Carolina, has resulted in the arrest of Matthew Hellman, 32, on charges of assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature. The incident, which occurred on April 3rd at an apartment complex near Surfside Beach, saw Hellman allegedly wielding a machete, leading to severe injuries for the victim.

According to reports from WBTW-TV, the victim, who remains unnamed, had been embroiled in a feud with Hellman prior to the confrontation. When Hellman visited the victim’s apartment that fateful night, a disagreement escalated into a violent confrontation. The victim recounted to police that he assumed a defensive position as Hellman attacked him with the machete, resulting in the loss of two toes on his left foot.

After the machete assault, Hellman purportedly escalated the violence by hurling plates and bowls at the victim before fleeing the scene. Law enforcement officers arrived to find the victim outside the apartment, having crawled to the front door in a bid to seek help.

Hellman, with a history of prior arrests including charges related to firearms possession, was apprehended on April 16th. He is currently held without bail at the Horry County Jail.

The victim was promptly transported to a nearby hospital for treatment following the attack. The precise condition of the victim remains undisclosed.

This incident underscores the gravity of interpersonal conflicts and the potential for violence, urging for swift and decisive legal action to ensure the safety of the community.