Arrest made after Raleigh police say a man used a chainsaw to ‘menace’ others at hotel

Police have arrested a man who they say threatened at least one person with a chainsaw at a Raleigh hotel Saturday night.

Jacob Vanderburg, 27, has been arrested and charged with second degree kidnapping, two counts of assault with a deadly weapon, going armed to the terror of the public, four counts of injury to real property, felony larceny of a firearm and disorderly conduct, according to a news release Sunday evening.

He was arrested in Raleigh near Garner, where police said he is believed to have lived. Kevin Pena, an officer at the Garner Police Department, told The News & Observer that the man is also accused of breaking into a Lowe’s hardware store in Garner and stealing some items.

Officers responded to a call in the 2500 block of South Saunders St. at roughly 9:14 p.m. Saturday night, according to an earlier news release. The department said the suspect was “using a chainsaw to menace the victim.”

The situation took place at the Super 8 motel at 2501 South Saunders St., according to the incident report. Police said the suspect also damaged two room doors — one at the motel, and one at the Claremont Inn also on South Saunders St.

Donna-maria Harris, a spokeswoman for RPD, declined to comment on how many people were present, or whether anyone was injured. The incident report lists two victims.

Harris also declined to provide more information about the kidnapping charge.

Harris declined to comment on whether Vanderburg’s motive had been determined.

This story was originally published March 21, 2021 at 9:26 AM.