String quartet leader is arrested after ‘naked rampage at Manhattan hotel’

The New York Post reports this morning that the leader of the Leipzig String Quartet ran amok at the Hudson Hotel at Columbus Circle in the early hours of Friday, forcing his way into a fellow-guest’s room.

Police sources told the paper that a 64-year-old woman from North Carolina ‘heard a knock and opened her door slightly’ to find a wild-eyed, ‘completely naked’ intruder. The cops arrived soon after.

Stefan Arzberger, 42, was arrested and spent a night in jail. He was charged with strangulation and burglary and released Saturday morning on $100,000 bail.

Sources close to the musician say he has no recollection of the incident. ‘He’s an upstanding member of society without a criminal record who has devoted his life to the arts,’ his lawyer told the Post.

Friday’s last Fb post from the Leipzig Quartet reported ‘a nice evening walk in New York City’.

UPDATE: The Leipzig String Quartet have shared the following message: We have to announce that Stefan became on Sat. 26th victim of a serious crime in New York City. Things are in clearance now. At this time the lawyers do not allow to divulge more information. We feel great solidarity and hope for a sudden end of that nightmare! Stefan, we are with you!

More here.

UPDATE 2: ‘He was drugged’. Here.