Hayesville Man Arrested for Trespassing with Chainsaw at Local School Property

A Hayesville man was arrested Tuesday afternoon after repeatedly trespassing on the property of Carolina Christian Academy and First Free Will Baptist Church during school hours while carrying a chainsaw.

Authorities say 47-year-old Eric Roberson had previously been warned not to return to the property. Despite the warning, he reportedly came back twice earlier in the day before being seen again around noon. At that time, children were outside for recess.

School staff quickly moved the students inside as law enforcement arrived. Lt. Bruce Moore of the Clay County Sheriff’s Office said Roberson was behaving erratically and gave conflicting answers about why he was there.