Man crashes through security gate at Beyoncé and Jay-Z’s East Hampton home
TheGrio...
A 63-year-old Bronx man was arrested and charged with second-degree criminal mischief and third-degree criminal trespass for the incident.
A 63-year-old Bronx man was arrested after police say he drove a Subaru through the closed security gates at Beyoncé and Jay-Z’s East Hampton home, severely damaging the entrance.
The East Hampton Star reported that the crash happened on Wednesday afternoon at the couple’s property in the Georgica neighborhood. Investigators have not determined whether the man was targeting the house or its famous owners, and police said they found no weapons or a note explaining his actions.
A security guard told officers the vehicle traveled up the driveway at a high rate of speed and failed to stop at the closed mechanical gates. After the impact, the driver remained inside the damaged car until the property’s security team instructed him to get out. He complied and was restrained before village police arrived.
“He wasn’t making threats. He seemed confused,” Detective Sgt. Jennifer Dunn said.
The man complained of pain after the collision and was taken to the Stony Brook East Hampton Emergency Department. He was later released, arraigned and charged with second-degree criminal mischief and third-degree criminal trespass. Police impounded the vehicle.
Investigators used the village’s license plate reader network to retrace his movements before the crash. Police said he entered East Hampton Village early Wednesday, traveled to Montauk, stopped at Main Beach and moved between those areas before reaching Georgica Pond. He also tried to enter another home but left after the homeowner refused him access.
It remains unclear whether Beyoncé or Jay-Z was at the property when the gate was struck.
The incident follows other security scares involving celebrity homes, particularly for the Carters. In 2021, arson was suspected in a fire at a New Orleans mansion reportedly owned by the couple. Last year, several homes belonging to NFL and NBA stars were burglarized and the FBI apprehended several suspects connected to a burglary ring.
In 2012, a man was accused of breaking into Sean “Diddy” Combs’ East Hampton mansion, where authorities said he ate food, drank liquor and wore the music mogul’s clothes.
Police said the driver had no prior criminal history and may have been experiencing a health issue. Still, the department is treating the collision as a crime while investigators work to determine why he approached the property.