Rapper Vanilla Ice was arrested in Florida on Wednesday and charged with burglary after being accused of snatching items from a home next to one he is renovating.
Vanilla Ice, whose real name is Robert Van Winkle, 47, was charged with burglary and grand theft by the Lantana Police Department for alleged burglaries that happened between December 2014 and February 2015,
authorities told WTVJ-TV.
Police said furniture, a pool heater, bicycles and other items were taken from the home which was vacant and involved in a foreclosure. The home is next to property Van Winkle is renovating and authorities told the television they believe Vanilla Ice played a role in the removal of the items.
Van Winkle hosts "The Vanilla Ice Project" on DIY Network, which features the rapper renovating homes. Lantana police chief Sean Scheller said that Van Winkle has cooperated so far in the investigation.
"It's a misunderstanding, it was blown out of proportion," Van Winkle told reporters after he was released from jail Wednesday, noted WTVJ. "It's sad that good news doesn't travel this fast. 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," said Van Winkle
Frank Morales, who co-starred with Vanilla Ice on his DIY show for several seasons, told
WPTV there would be no reason for Van Winkle to steal the items.
"I mean, the guy's rich," said Morales. "Why would he steal? But you never know what people do."
Neighbors told WPTV the home had been vacant for years and had been the target of squatters and other thieves. Neighbor Stephen Robertson said he thought Van Winkle might have been interested in purchasing the home when he saw the 1990s rap star looking at the it.
"I didn't see anybody take anything," Robertson told the television station.
The DIY Network told WPTV it was informed of Van Winkle's arrest and is looking into it.
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