LA County Sheriff Apologizes To Wyclef Jean Over Detainment

WEST HOLLYWOOD (CBSLA.com/AP) — Los Angeles County sheriff's officials apologized Tuesday to Grammy-winning singer Wyclef Jean for detaining him as they searched for an armed robbery suspect.

Sheriff's officials issued a statement, saying that while they apologize for the inconvenience, the former Fugees star was lawfully stopped by deputies looking for a violent armed robber whose victims described a similar vehicle and article of clothing.

The singer lashed out on Twitter after he was released, and included a video of the encounter that unfolded around 1 a.m. at a gas station in the 8900 block of Sunset Boulevard.

Sheriff's deputies responded to the area for report of a robbery call near San Vicente Boulevard.

Upon their arrival, authorities learned a suspect robbed a person at gunpoint and stole their wallet.

The victim provided a description of the suspect's vehicle.

A short while later, deputies spotted a vehicle -- which belonged to Jean -- that matched the description.

Jean was detained at the scene for a brief period of time. Authorities later determined he was not suspected in the case.

The singer responded to the incident on Twitter.

"I am sure no father wants his sons or daughters to see him in handcuffs especially if he is innocent," Jean said in a written statement. "As someone who has law enforcers in my family, I was appalled by the behavior of the LAPD."

Deputies eventually arrested the correct suspect and recovered the stolen wallet.

The gun that was used in the crime was also recovered at the scene.

No injuries were reported.

(© Copyright 2017 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)