A Buhl, Alabama, man was arrested after a confrontation with his ex-girlfriend’s current beau turned violent.
Dustin Michael Hodo, 35, was charged with felony stalking after he allegedly sabotaged his romantic rival’s vehicle and then attacked him, according to Lowndes County Sheriff Eddie Hawkins.
The confrontation happened in the early morning hours of Sept. 24, Hawkins said. The boyfriend – who authorities did not name – had parked his vehicle at the New Hope Community Center, 381 Stadium Road.
Surveillance footage allegedly shows Hodo tampering with the right rear tire before retiring to the New Hope High School parking lot, which is adjacent to the community center, where he waited six hours for the ex-girlfriend and her boyfriend to return, Hawkins said.
When the boyfriend returned, he found the tire was flat and a rock had been placed over the valve stem, Hawkins said. He called 911 and, while he waited for deputies to arrive, Hodo walked back to the community center and confronted him.
Hodo allegedly attacked the boyfriend, jumping on his back, and the boyfriend drew a knife and cut Hodo several times, Hawkins said. The two were still fighting when deputies arrived.
Hodo was bleeding profusely and was taken to Baptist Memorial Hospital-Golden Triangle for treatment, Hawkins said. He was discharged on Thursday and arrested.
He was still in custody at the Lowndes County Adult Detention Center as of press time.
Hawkins said since July 2023 the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office has received eight reports of Hodo stalking his ex-girlfriend. In most cases he had left the area by the time deputies arrived. He had previously been prosecuted for stealing her dog.
The boyfriend has not been charged at this time, Hawkins said, as he apparently acted in self-defense. The case will be presented to the grand jury, which will decide whether he should face any charges.
Brian Jones is the local government reporter for Columbus and Lowndes County.
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