New York Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu, one of the WNBA’s brightest stars, became the latest high-profile athlete to fall victim to a home burglary when intruders broke into her Los Angeles-area residence on Monday night.”Sabrina Ionescu in action for the New York Liberty during the 2024 WNBA Finals.
According to the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), officers responded to the home around 8 p.m. after a security alarm was triggered. Two suspects, described as wearing ski masks, smashed a rear glass sliding door to gain entry. They ransacked the property and fled in an unknown vehicle, making off with several luxury handbags valued at more than $60,000.
Fortunately, Ionescu and her husband, former NFL offensive lineman Hroniss Grasu, were not home at the time of the incident. A family member reportedly arrived at the scene and spoke with authorities. Police are reviewing security camera footage as part of the ongoing investigation, but no arrests have been made as of Tuesday morning. Sabrina Ionescu and Hroniss Grasu, who met through their shared University of Oregon connections.
The break-in adds Ionescu to a growing list of professional athletes targeted by burglars in recent years. Just one day earlier, Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons discovered his Nashville home had been hit while he was away for a game. Previous incidents have involved NFL stars like Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, and Joe Burrow, with some linked to organized South American theft groups.”Illustration of a typical home burglary involving a smashed rear sliding glass door, similar to the method used in this incident
Ionescu, 28, a California native, maintains a home in the Los Angeles area near family. The four-time WNBA All-Star and 2024 champion with the Liberty has been enjoying her offseason after another standout season, earning All-WNBA honors for the fourth consecutive year.
Authorities urge increased vigilance among residents, particularly high-profile individuals. The LAPD continues to investigate, and anyone with information is encouraged to come forward
