LL Cool J's Intruder Charged With Burglary

Transient who allegedly broke into rapper-actor's Van Nuys, Calif., residence is now facing the music—and maybe life in prison

By Josh Grossberg Aug 23, 2012 9:52 PMTags
LL Cool JLarry Busacca/Getty Images For The Recording Academy

He's "Doin' It" in court now.

The homeless man who allegedly broke into LL Cool J's Van Nuys, Calif., residence yesterday—and was swiftly taken down by the actor-rapper, who detained him until police arrived—has been charged with first degree burglary with a person present.

The Los Angeles District Attorney's Office confirms to E! News that Jonathan Kirby, 56, was also charged as a Third Strike offender which means, per the felony complaint filed by assistant prosecutor William Ryder, under California law, if convicted, he could be facing a maximum prison sentence of 38 years to life.

The transient entered LL Cool J's house at about 1 a.m. Wednesday morning tripping an alarm that alerted the hip-hopster and his family to his presence. LL subsequently leaped into action and tackled the suspect and, according to police, a physical confrontation ensued in which Kirby sustained multiple minor injuries.

The "Mama Said Knock You Out" MC, who knows a few things about nabbing bad guys as the star of NCIS: Los Angeles, held the intruder down until cops arrived.  Kirby was booked on suspicion of burglary and taken to a hospital where he still remains as he receives treatment for a broken nose, jaw and ribs.

A rep for LL Cool J was unavailable for comment.

—Reporting by Claudia Rosenbaum