Jennifer Aniston, 56, intruder ‘held at gunpoint’ after crashing through gates of actress’s $21m mansion
A man in his 70s crashed his vehicle through the gates of actress Jennifer Aniston’s Bel Air home on Monday afternoon whilst the star was inside, police have confirmed.
The incident occurred at approximately 12:20pm at the Friends actress’s Los Angeles property, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.
Aniston, 56, was home at the time of the crash but was not injured.
The elderly driver was pulled from his vehicle and detained by Aniston’s private security team until police arrived at the scene.
Officers then took the man into custody, with authorities now investigating whether the crash was accidental or deliberate.
The LAPD responded to a call regarding a “burglary suspect” at the property who had driven his vehicle through the front gate of the residence.
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According to Officer Tony Im, a spokesperson for the LAPD, when officers arrived at the scene, a security guard was holding the suspect at gunpoint, with the individual lying on the ground.
The crash happened in the 900 block of Airole Way in the affluent Bel Air neighbourhood.
The man reportedly complained of pain, though details about possible injuries were not immediately available.
Police have not yet determined whether the incident was accidental or intentional.
“The investigation into the incident and the man’s potential motive is ongoing,” an LAPD spokesperson said.
Local broadcaster KABC reported that the man appeared to have a minor criminal history.
However, investigators have not yet found any signs that he was specifically targeting Aniston, according to sources close to the news outlet.
Aniston purchased the midcentury mansion for just under $21 million in 2012, according to property records.
The 3.4-acre estate was designed by prestigious architect A. Quincy Jones and renovated by architect Frederick Fisher shortly before Aniston bought it.
The property, built in 1965, features unobstructed ocean and city views.
When Aniston purchased the home, the grounds included a guesthouse, swimming pool and vineyards.
The 10,000-square-foot residence also features four bedrooms and a wine cellar.
In 2015, Aniston married actor Justin Theroux in an intimate ceremony at the home. The couple lived in the property together before divorcing in 2018.
Aniston has previously spoken about her passion for architecture and design, telling Architectural Digest in 2018 that “if I wasn’t an actress, I’d want to be a designer”.
“I love the process,” Aniston said. “There’s something about picking out fabrics and finishes that feeds my soul.”
The incident comes as Aniston is reportedly preparing to leave her Bel Air property and move to a new home in Montecito.
According to the New York Post, Aniston purchased a nearly $15 million property from Oprah Winfrey in September 2022.
She has reportedly spent the last three years renovating the four-bedroom Tuscan-style farmhouse.
Aerial photographs taken in March appeared to show the renovations nearing completion.
Aniston would join other celebrities including Gwyneth Paltrow, Cameron Diaz, Adam Levine and Ariana Grande who have relocated to the affluent Santa Barbara area.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have also lived in Montecito since 2020.
The LAPD has not yet released information on any booking charges for the man involved in Monday’s incident.