CINCINNATI – While Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow was competing in Dallas for “Monday Night Football,” his home in Anderson Township was reportedly burglarized, according to the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office.
The incident occurred shortly after 8 p.m. on Monday. Olivia Ponton, a model and social media influencer, arrived at the home to find a bedroom window shattered and the room in disarray, as detailed in the incident report from the sheriff’s office.
In response to the alarming situation, Ponton contacted her mother, Diane Ponton, who promptly called 911. During the call to Hamilton County dispatch, Diane informed operators that her daughter was at Burrow’s residence when the break-in took place, emphasizing, “Someone is trying to break into the house right now.” She added that Burrow was at the football game at the time.
Olivia Ponton was reported as an employee of Burrow’s, further tying her presence at the home to the star athlete.
Interestingly, an officer who was assigned to provide security at Burrow’s residence was already on-site when the break-in was reported. Upon investigation, deputies found no suspects on the property and began gathering surveillance video from neighbors to identify potential intruders.
This incident comes shortly after the NFL issued a security advisory about a rise in burglaries targeting the homes of professional athletes. This advisory, highlighted by the Associated Press, follows similar incidents involving Kansas City Chiefs’ players Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce, whose homes were also targeted. The league noted that organized groups are increasingly eyeing athletes’ residences, particularly on game days.
At this stage, it remains uncertain whether Burrow’s break-in is linked to these organized burglary groups, although it aligns with the pattern observed with other NFL players.
In light of these troubling events, it emphasizes the need for heightened security measures for public figures, especially during times of public appearances and events. The proactive response from law enforcement showcases a commitment to ensuring safety and security in such situations.
As the community and fans rally around Joe Burrow and his team, this incident serves as a reminder of the vulnerabilities that come with fame, yet many hope that increased awareness and security will help safeguard the homes of athletes in the future.