Arts & Culture LL Cool J nabs intruder at L.A. home
August 23, 2012
By RAQUEL MARIA DILLON Associated Press
LL Cool J plays a special agent on TV’s “NCIS: Los Angeles,” and now he’s caught an actual bad guy.
The 44-year-old rapper struggled with and subdued a suspected burglar early on the morning of Wednesday August 22 at his home in the Studio City area, police said. He was not hurt.
Los Angeles police Sgt. Frank Preciado said that police got a 911 call shortly before 1 a.m. from the performer’s daughter, who said an intruder was in their home and her father was holding him downstairs.
“A physical altercation occurred between the suspect and the victim, James Todd Smith, also known professionally as LL Cool J,” said Preciado. “My understanding is he just had him in custody with his physical strength.”
A 58-year-old suspect was taken to the hospital and was expected to be arrested on suspicion of burglary. His identity wasn’t released but there was no indication that he knew LL Cool J or had a personal vendetta, LAPD spokesman Richard French said.
French said the suspect appeared to be a homeless person.
Early police information said the man received minor bruises. However, the Los Angeles Times cited police sources it did not identify as saying the suspect received a broken nose and jaw in a “knock-down, drag-out” fight.
French said he had no details about the man’s injuries or how he may have gotten into the home, a walled and gated mansion in a wealthy hillside section of the San Fernando Valley that’s not far from major studios.
“LL Cool J, and his family, are safe and thank everyone for their thoughts and concern,” said a statement released by his publicist, Rhett Usry. “As a father, husband and citizen, he is committed to keeping his family safe and is cooperating with authorities on this private matter.”
LL Cool J has had musical hits such as “Mama Said Knock You Out” and “I’m Bad,” and has starred in films including “Any Given Sunday.”