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AW1Ed | May 8, 2026 | 0 Comments

Woman recalls using hatchet in self-defense during Union attack

by: Taylor Farmer
UNION COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA) — Two people were arrested Monday after a woman used a hatchet to defend herself from an attack that occurred in a Union parking lot.

The Union Public Safety Department said the assault happened outside Tan Hut and Salon on S. Duncan Bypass.

Police said 28-year-old Anna Reynolds was attacked by 24-year-old Molli Nichole Butler and a 16-year-old as she walked out of the salon.

“They saw when I got back in my car,” she recalled. “When I walked out, they were waiting on me.”

Reynolds said the attack stemmed from a past friendship that soured.

“We used to be friends and we just got into an altercation and words hurt her so she decided that she was going to illegally attack me — or jump me with her sister,” she said.

An incident report details Butler and the teen surrounding Reynolds’ car as she tried to leave. Butler allegedly threw a drink on Reynolds, and both suspects attempted to punch her multiple times.

At that point, Reynolds said she got out of her car with a hatchet, trying to deter them.

“I stepped out of my car and I said ‘Back up, back up,’” Reynolds said.

Butler was charged with third-degree assault and battery, disorderly conduct, and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Her personal recognizance bond was set at just over $3,700.

Police said she bonded out Monday, the same day she was arrested.

“Leave people alone,” Reynolds said. “You can’t just antagonize people.”

The 16-year-old was also charged with third-degree assault and battery. She was injured by the hatchet when the two approached Reynolds’ car a second time.

One witness told 7NEWS she came out of a nearby shop when she saw the teenager crying.

“It was not pumping blood, but the blood was flowing steady,” Bonnie Eaves said. “She probably lost a good pint of blood.”