The L.A. Sheriff's Department has offered an explanation for detaining Wyclef Jean Tuesday morning after he was mistaken for the suspect in an armed robbery. Wyclef was handcuffed for 6 minutes, according to TMZ. He shared video of the incident on his Instagram page.
The statement has been posted on the department's official Facebook page. The department argues that despite the mix-up, cuffing Jean was a "lawful detention." It's later stated that the LASD are "apologetic for any inconvenience this process caused Mr. Jean."
It is unfortunate that Mr. Jean was detained for six minutes during this investigation, as he had no involvement whatsoever in this violent crime. However, Los Angeles County Deputy Sheriffs are frequently required to make lawful detentions, under the strict parameters provided by law, in the interest of catching often dangerous and armed suspects in our communities and keeping the public safe. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is apologetic for any inconvenience this process caused Mr. Jean. We are grateful we were able to apprehend the robbery suspects and that no one was seriously injured
Read the full statement, which includes an explanation of the events that preceded Wyclef's detainment below.
Wyclef's description of the incident of mistaken identity, as per his Instagram (it should be noted that Jean was cuffed by the L.A. Sheriff's Department, rather than the LAPD as stated in his post).
"I was asked by the police to Put my hands up. Then I was told do not move. I was instantly hand cuffed before being asked to identify myself and before being told why. In the process I said my name and told them they have wrong person. They proceeded to ignore me and I was treated like a criminal. I am sure no father wants his sons or daughters to see him in Handcuffs especially if he is innocent. As some one who has law enforcers in my family, I was appalled by the bahavior of the LAPD."
The original report on Wyclef Jean's detainment can be found here.
