Columbus Short's Wife -- HELP! He Ransacked Our Home!!

Columbus Short doesn't know when to stop -- at least according to his wife, who claims the former "Scandal" star broke into their house over Easter weekend ... and ransacked the joint.

Short's wife Tanee has filed new court docs, claiming Short busted into their marital home while she was away -- despite a restraining order barring him from the premises -- and left a trail of destruction in his wake.

Tanee claims Short broke a door off its hinges, ripped off her bed sheets, left on a bunch of lights (electricity ain't cheap) -- and made her fear for her safety and the safety of their 2-year-old daughter.

TMZ broke the story, Tanee obtained the restraining order earlier this month, claiming Short put a knife to her throat and threatened to kill her. The order bars Short from entering their home, but he's fighting it ... insisting he has the right to come and go as he pleases because his name is on the lease.

Tanee says the break-in is further proof the restraining order is necessary.