#Socialites, get into this: In a bizarre case of mistaken identity, rapper Lil Uzi Vert found himself at the center of a puppy theft investigation. Pennsylvania police officers, relying solely on a profile picture, mistakenly identified the popular artist as the suspect in question.
According to the New York Post, cops from the Wilkes-Barre Township Police Department in
Township, PA, made a public social media bulletin post in a desperate bid to find the dognapper. The post, shared with their 98,000 Facebook followers, read, “Stolen ruby-colored Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, from Brookside Pups on Kidder St. last seen going on the turnpike believed to be heading to Philadelphia.”
It also said, “The license plate for the vehicle does not belong on the vehicle and is believed to be stolen. Any sightings of this vehicle, dog or individual is asked to call 911,” the statement added.
Not only did authorities share a photo of the missing pup but also an image of who they thought was the suspect… a selfie of a Lil Uzi. After people began pointing out the mistake, cops eventually realized their big error. The police department wrote in a follow-up post on its Facebook page: “The original photo of the male provided by the establishment was not the correct male. This current photo is the actor in question. We apologize for the error and any confusion.” The innocent rapper has yet to react to this latest case of mistaken identity…
SMH: Rapper Lil Uzi Vert mistaken for puppy thief as PA cops fall for real suspect’s profile picture
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SMH: Rapper Lil Uzi Vert mistaken for puppy thief as PA cops fall for real suspect’s profile picture
The rapper’s management team, Roc Nation, has since issued a stern warning to cops.
“The Wilkes-Barre Township Police Department should be embarrassed and ashamed for disparaging [Uzi’s] character,” the Jay-Z co-founded label said in a statement to TMZ. This grave error could’ve had significant repercussions on Uzi’s career and epitomizes how Black men can be wrongfully charged and arrested by police departments across the country,” the company continued. “Uzi loves all animals and this serious mistake has deterred the apprehension of the kidnapper. Our collective hope is that the puppy is safely and promptly rescued.”
In all seriousness, this incident highlights the potential dangers of relying solely on digital profiles and serves as a cautionary tale for law enforcement agencies. While it is understandable that authorities must utilize all available resources to solve crimes, it is crucial to exercise caution and verify information before jumping to conclusions.
The incident also sheds light on the power and influence of social media in shaping public perception. With millions of followers and a strong online presence, celebrities like Lil Uzi Vert can inadvertently become entangled in real-life situations due to their digital footprint.