A Washington State Patrol trooper is behind bars in Snohomish County after prosecutors say he launched a monthslong stalking campaign against a sheriff's deputy he once dated.
The trooper, identified in charging documents as 49-year-old James Arnold, was arrested and booked into the Snohomish County Jail, according to Snohomish County booking records. Prosecutors allege a pattern of in-person surveillance, handwritten notes and persistent electronic contact that continued after the relationship ended.
According to The Seattle Times, Arnold has been charged with two counts of stalking, domestic violence, and three counts of violating a domestic violence protection order. His bail was set at $500,000. The paper reports that Arnold was hired by the Washington State Patrol in 2002-03 and was placed on paid administrative leave in March, and that court filings say he was ordered to surrender his duty firearm after the allegations surfaced.
Charging papers allege Arnold repeatedly drove to and past the deputy’s home, watched her residence, contacted her after the breakup and left notes on her patrol vehicle that caused her "significant distress." Prosecutors say he also messaged her on Instagram and, while armed and wearing his patrol uniform, taped a typed two-page letter to her front door, then drove his patrol vehicle by her house. GPS data cited in court filings reportedly shows multiple trips to the deputy’s address in a single night and repeated passes by the home over a roughly two-week period.
Prosecutors Cite Training As Added Risk
In their filings, prosecutors argued that Arnold’s law enforcement background significantly raised the stakes. They noted his training in covert surveillance, defensive tactics and firearms use, writing that it made him "a greater danger than an average individual," and said they feared an escalation if charges were filed, according to The Seattle Times.
The filings also say Arnold told the deputy he "would kill anyone who took his law enforcement career from him." A court-issued protection order now bars him from coming within 1,000 feet of the woman, her home and her work vehicle.
Agency Response And What Comes Next
In a statement, the Washington State Patrol said it recognizes the seriousness of the allegations and will ensure Arnold is afforded due process. A spokesperson confirmed he surrendered his duty firearm and was placed on paid administrative leave.
Court records show Arnold was arrested and booked into the Snohomish County Jail, according to Snohomish County booking records. Prosecutors say the investigation remains active and that additional filings or hearings are expected in Snohomish County Superior Court.
What The Charges Mean
Arnold faces felony-level counts tied to domestic stalking and alleged violations of a domestic violence protection order. If he is convicted, those charges can carry prison time under Washington law.
The case is still in its early stages. Prosecutors have filed charging documents, and Arnold’s defense will have the opportunity to respond as the matter moves through arraignment and pretrial hearings.
Officials say some case records are currently restricted because this is an active criminal investigation. This story will be updated as new court filings, hearing dates or official statements become available.
