LL Cool J Tackles Burglar in His Own Home

Tube star turns crime stopper after detaining a prowler who was trying to break into his L.A. abode

Here's a message for would-be criminals: Don't mess with LL Cool J. 

The rapper and star of NCIS: Los Angeles found himself dishing out some real-life law and order last night when he confronted a burglar in his Los Angeles residence and ended up taking the dude down. 

"Mama said knock you out" indeed.

LAPD tells E! News that the intruder broke into LL's residence, but the 44-year-old hip-hopster (real name James Todd Smith) was home and was alerted to his presence.

When cops showed up, they learned LL Cool J had struck the suspect, a 56-year-old white male that police said looked to be homeless, during a physical confrontation. It was initially reported that the unidentified prowler suffered a few minor bruises, but recent reports say he received a broken nose and jaw.

The suspect was booked on suspicion of burglary and then taken to a hospital while the "Doin' It" MC was OK.

"My understanding is he just had him in custody with his physical strength," Los Angeles police Sgt. Frank Preciado said during a press conference.

When reached for comment, a rep for LL issued a statement today saying, "LL Cool J, and his family, are safe and thank everyone for their thoughts and concern. As a father, husband and citizen, he is committed to keeping his family safe and is cooperating with authorities on this private matter."