Award
"SI" Swim Model Olivia Ponton Alerted Police to Joe Burrow's Burglary
2024-12-11
Olivia Ponton, the renowned influencer and model, played a crucial role in alerting the police when Joe Burrow's home in Cincinnati was burglarized on Monday night, December 9. This incident has sparked significant attention and raised concerns about the safety of famous athletes. With Ponton having a massive following on Instagram (nearly 3 million) and TikTok (7.6 million), her actions have drawn widespread media coverage.
The Vigilant Olivia Ponton and the Burrow Break-in
Details of the Break-in
According to a police report obtained by PEOPLE, at around 8:14 p.m., Ponton, who is 22 years old, reported the break-in at the Anderson Township residence. She noticed a shattered bedroom window and the room in a state of ransacking. This discovery led her to take immediate action and call her mother, which in turn prompted the 911 call. The report provides a clear account of the scene and the events that unfolded.It is important to note that Joe Burrow, who is 28 years old, was out of town at the time and couldn't report on the items that had been taken. Ponton, described as an employee in the police report, provided a list of what was possibly missing. This shows her attentiveness and willingness to assist in the investigation.Police Response and Investigation
Once deputies arrived at the property, they cleared the home and the Criminal Intelligence Section (CIS) captured pictures and evidence of the scene. This meticulous work by the police is crucial in building a case and identifying potential suspects. Authorities are also checking with neighbors to see if surveillance footage captured any video of the burglars. The CIS is actively investigating the case, leaving no stone unturned in their pursuit of justice.This series of break-ins targeting famous athletes is a growing concern. Just last month, the homes of Kansas City Chiefs players Travis Kelce and Patrick Mahomes were burglarized within two days of each other. And in September, Minnesota Timberwolves star Mike Conley's Medina, Minn. home was also burglarized. These incidents highlight the need for increased security measures and awareness among athletes.The NFL recently sent a memo to its players' union and team security directors, warning them of the potential for such break-ins. This shows the league's commitment to addressing the issue and ensuring the safety of its players.Impact and Aftermath
The break-in has had a significant impact on Joe Burrow and his family. In police audio obtained by the outlet, Ponton's mother Diane can be heard telling a dispatcher that her daughter is wondering what to do and if she should hide or go outside. This shows the emotional toll that such an incident can have on those involved.Ponton herself was understandably shaken by the experience. In a separate call, she was heard saying, "Someone broke into my house… It's like completely messed up." This statement reflects the shock and violation that she felt.As the investigation continues, the public is waiting to see if the burglars will be caught and justice served. In the meantime, the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of security and the need for athletes to take precautions to protect their homes and families.Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.