Intruder slips into home, attacks sleeping man with sledgehammer, NC sheriff says
A home break-in turned potentially deadly when the accused intruder pulled a sledgehammer and began beating the homeowner as he slept, according to investigators in western North Carolina. It happened Thursday, Nov. 5, on Robinhill Road near North Wilkesboro, and a suspect has been arrested. Jacob Legend Hayes, 22, is accused of slipping into the home of Rodney Steelman “with the intent to kill him,” according to an arrest warrant. “The assault was perpetrated ... by breaking into the victim’s house at night while he was asleep in bed and striking the victim multiple times with a sledgehammer and kicking them victim while he was down on the ground,” the warrant says. Hayes also brought a 9mm handgun and fired multiple shots inside the home, officials said. Damage was reported to the front door, garage door, two interior walls, multiple windows, a motorcycle and the couch, the warrant says. Details of a motive have not been released. Hayes lives about two miles from the crime scene, officials said. He has been charged with: Felony attempted first degree murder Felony assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill/inflicting serious injury Felony Discharge of a weapon in occupied property Felony first
