Music legend Lionel Richie had a close call Friday when an intruder attempted to break into his Beverly Hills residence shortly after midnight while he was inside.
According to the Daily Mail, the 76-year-old singer became the latest among multiple celebrities in Los Angeles whose homes have recently been targeted by burglars, though no items were reported stolen in this case.
Authorities confirmed that the attempted break-in occurred just after midnight on Friday. According to police, Richie was home at the time, but the would-be burglar was scared off when a security system activated. The alarm successfully deterred the intruder, who fled the scene before taking any belongings.
Officers from the Beverly Hills Police Department responded to the emergency call and launched an investigation into the incident. A man later identified as Michael John Bond was arrested on suspicion of residential burglary. However, as of the latest report, no formal charges had been filed against him.
Security System Plays Key Role in Deterrence
The triggered security alarm proved crucial in preventing the burglary from progressing. Investigators are currently reviewing security footage from Richie's home to gain more insight into the suspect's movements. Authorities noted that although Richie was at home, there was no reported confrontation between him and the intruder.
In a statement to TMZ, police confirmed that Richie was inside the residence during the break-in attempt but that the burglar quickly departed once the alarm sounded. The intrusion caused no physical harm and apparently did not result in any damage or missing items.
A spokesperson for Richie was contacted by the Daily Mail for comment on the event, but no public statement had been made by Richie's team at the time of reporting.
Celebrity Homes Face Ongoing Burglary Threat
Richie is the latest in a growing list of high-profile individuals in Los Angeles experiencing similar incidents. Other celebrities recently affected include Brad Pitt, Nicole Kidman, Anthony Anderson, and Teddi Mellencamp. Law enforcement agencies have acknowledged the trend, though they do not believe that celebrities are being deliberately singled out.
In June, actor Brad Pitt’s Los Feliz property was burglarized while he was in Japan promoting his movie titled "F1." The investigation into that crime led to the recent arrest of three individuals who were also linked to another unrelated heist. Surveillance from Pitt’s residence helped detectives make those arrests.
Los Angeles police, speaking with various media outlets, clarified that the suspects involved in these burglary cases do not appear to be intentionally targeting well-known individuals. The trend, rather, may indicate broader criminal activity occurring in luxury neighborhoods rather than celebrity-focused operations.
Other High-Profile Incidents in Beverly Hills
Just weeks before Richie’s incident, former “Real Housewives” star Teddi Mellencamp encountered a similar situation. An attempted burglary at her home was thwarted by an alarm system, and Mellencamp later shared a security video online showing the suspects fleeing the scene after it was triggered.
Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban were also affected earlier in the year. In February, an unidentified individual broke into their Beverly Hills property by smashing a window. An employee was reportedly present at the time and managed to frighten the intruder away. No significant injuries or large thefts were reported in either of those cases, but they have contributed to rising concern among public figures and residents in high-end L.A. neighborhoods.
Ongoing Investigations and Preventive Measures
Authorities in Beverly Hills and surrounding cities have encouraged residents to ensure their home security systems are updated and active. Some cases have shown that functioning alarms have played a direct role in stopping crimes before they could escalate.
Law enforcement agencies are continuing to analyze footage and gather evidence in relation to Richie’s case as well as the broader spike in local burglaries. Investigators are looking into whether any of the suspects are connected in a broader pattern or working as part of a group. Richie, best known for his decades-long music career, has not commented publicly on the attempted break-in. Fans have expressed relief on social media that he was unharmed during the incident.
