Beyoncé Knowles-Carter and Jay-Z’s East Hampton estate sustained damage after a 63-year-old man allegedly drove through the property’s security gates.
Authorities said there is no indication the incident was a deliberate attempt to target the music power couple.
Police told Page Six that the driver appeared to be “confused” and did not make any threats or mention the couple before he was taken into custody.
Beyoncé, 44, and Jay-Z, 56, bought the seven-bedroom waterfront estate in East Hampton in 2017.
The incident comes as the couple continue to draw significant public attention following Jay-Z’s recent three-night residency at New York’s Yankee Stadium. The concerts attracted massive crowds, with the final show experiencing lengthy delays after fans breached security barriers.
The performances featured guest appearances from Beyoncé, their daughter Blue Ivy Carter, Alicia Keys, Rihanna, Eminem and Teyana Taylor.
Meanwhile, Beyoncé has remained in the spotlight through her Cowboy Carter era following the success of the Grammy Award-winning album and its accompanying tour. She also continues to receive recognition for acclaimed projects including Renaissance, Lemonade and Dangerously in Love.
According to Page Six, Detective/Sergeant Jennifer Dunn said about the suspect: “He has no criminal history and he seemed confused at the scene and after the arrest. He did not make any threats or mention names of the residents. It could just be chance he picked that house if he was having a medical issue.”
A police report obtained by the publication alleged that the Bronx resident was “driving at a high rate of speed up the driveway” before failing “to stop at the closed mechanical driveway gates”, resulting in what officers described as “significant damage” to the property.
Police said the man was arrested at the scene before being taken to Stony Brook Hospital after complaining of pain.
Authorities also impounded the vehicle involved and completed criminal trespass and criminal mischief affidavits as investigations continue.
Detective/Sergeant Dunn further told Page Six that the suspect had stopped at another nearby property before arriving at the estate. She said the homeowner reported that the man asked for a woman by name and left after being told she did not live there, adding that the resident believed “he seemed confused”.
Providing an update on the investigation, Dunn said: “No weapons found, no notes found, no direct threats made and no direct mention of residents of the house so we are not sure he even knew who lived in that house at this point.”
Page Six reported that The East Hampton Star was the first to reveal details of the incident.
The estate at the centre of the investigation was reportedly purchased by Beyoncé and Jay-Z for US$26 million (S$33 million). It is one of several properties owned by the couple, who divide their time between New York, California and other residences while managing their music careers, business ventures and raising their three children — Blue Ivy and nine-year-old twins Rumi Carter and Sir Carter.
Police said the investigation remains active, but investigators currently have no evidence to suggest the driver intentionally targeted the homeowners.
