SOUTHERN PINES, N.C. — A Fort Bragg soldier is accused of nearly beating an elderly couple to death, WTVD reported.
Police said the soldier broke into the Duncraig Manor bed and breakfast in Southern Pines at about 3 a.m. Wednesday and assaulted the owners.
Jacob Jadon Lee, a 25-year-old paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, is behind bars on a $300,000 bond.
Justin Vauiso and his wife were guests at the bed and breakfast and said they woke up to people yelling.
“The guy ripped a light fixture off and smashed him in the face with it," Vauiso said. “I ran at him and tackled him. He threw me off like I was nothing -- starts throwing things at me -- picked up a candlestick and tries to hit me with it."
The owners’ daughter credits the guests for saving her dad’s life.
“Another 30 seconds and (he) would not have made it," their daughter said in a social media post.
Col. Herman L. Johnson of the 82nd Airborne Division released the following statement about the attack:
“We hold all Paratroopers to the highest standards. We expect all of our Paratroopers to live and abide by the Army values both in and out of uniform, and the majority of our Soldiers uphold those values on a daily basis. The alleged incident that recently took place goes against the moral and ethical standards of the Army and the 82nd Sustainment Brigade as an organization.
“Currently, this matter is still under investigation and is in the hands of local authorities. However, we take all allegations seriously and have the utmost confidence in the justice system and believe in due process.
"Our hearts go out to everyone involved in this unfortunate event and we will continue to pray for those who were injured and their families during this difficult time.” Lee faces burglary and assault charges. His first court appearance is scheduled for March 9.”
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