Vanilla Ice Arrested For Burglary And Grand Theft In Florida, Police Found Stolen Items In The Rapper’s Home
Robert Van Winkle aka Vanilla Ice was arrested in connection to a residential burglary in Florida. Van Winkle is facing burglary and grand theft charges over an incident that occurred sometime between December 2014 and February 2015. The rapper and TV personality was arrested and booked into the Palm County Jail, but he was later released.
Vanilla Ice arrested in Palm Beach County on burglary charges http://t.co/Nl8rIN2iZN pic.twitter.com/chc5pRUfZ9
— KOAT.com (@KOATLiveUpdates) February 19, 2015
“It’s a misunderstanding, it was blown out of proportion. It’s sad that good news doesn’t travel this fast,” Van Winkle said to the press after he was released. “It’s just out of proportion and I wish you guys would focus on all the good things I’ve done. It’ll all get cleared up, you’ll see.”
According to police, the burglary happened at a home in the 100 block of N. Atlantic Drive. Van Winkle, thinking that the foreclosed home was abandoned, thought it was a good idea to take some stuff from the home including furniture, a pool heater, bicycles, and other items. The foreclosed home was beside another home that Van Winkle was renovating for his TV show, The Vanilla Ice Project on the DIY Network.
Police investigated the burglary and obtained a warrant to search property under Van Winkle’s care. After searching the place, police found the stolen items, leading to Van Winkle’s arrest. He agreed to meet with detectives to provide a sworn statement and is even assisting them to find some of the other lost items.
The DIY Network released a statement about the incident saying, “DIY Network has been made aware of this situation and is currently looking into the matter.”
Jim Lovely, the real estate broker in charge of the burglarized home said he’s not angry that the incident took place, but that taking care of it has been a hassle.
“Whoever it is, why would you jeopardize going to jail for basically junk? It was just worthless furniture and some items so it doesn’t make much sense… The house wasn’t full of Picassos, so it wasn’t a high-dollar heist, so it’s just the principal of having to secure the place two and three times.”
A representative for the police department claims that Van Winkle is being “very helpful” regarding the investigation.
The Vanilla Ice Project premiered on the DIY Network back in 2010. The show follows Vanilla Ice as he shows off his handyman skills, renovating homes that he hopes to flip. The show wrapped up its fourth season in May of last year.
[Image via DIY Network]
