IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser.

Tom Cruise latest celebrity victim of 'swatting' prank calls

Tom Cruise appears to be the latest celebrity "swatting" victim. Beverly Hills police said Thursday in a news release that cops were called to the actor's house after someone called 911, saying there was an "armed robbery in progress."PHOTOS: Hollywood's Private Jets: From Oprah Winfrey to Tom Cruise, who owns whatWhen the officers arrived, they conducted a search, and "no emergency was discovered
Tom Cruise.
Tom Cruise.Shizuo Kambayashi / AP / Today

Tom Cruise appears to be the latest celebrity "swatting" victim. Beverly Hills police said Thursday in a news release that cops were called to the actor's house after someone called 911, saying there was an "armed robbery in progress."

PHOTOS: Hollywood's Private Jets: From Oprah Winfrey to Tom Cruise, who owns what

When the officers arrived, they conducted a search, and "no emergency was discovered."

While Cruise's security offers were at the home, neither he nor his family was present.

The police said the incident is now being investigated as a crime "due to the false report."

The incident is reminiscent of several recent "swatting" instances -- a term that refers to prank calling with the intent to draw large police responses, including specialized SWAT teams.

Celebrity Scandals of 2012

Slideshow  1 photos

Celebrity Scandals of 2012

From Kristen Stewart's public cheating scandal to the resignation of Elmo puppeteer Kevin Clash to Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes' divorce, the famous made all sorts of headlines this year. Test Cation

In December, a 12-year-old was arrested by the Los Angeles Police Department for allegedly making prank calls that reported violence at the homes of Ashton Kutcher and Justin Bieber, leading officers to respond to the stars' homes.

STORY: Ashton Kutcher, Justin Bieber "swatting" calls lead to boy's arrest

"The swatting practice is extremely dangerous and places first responders and citizens in harm's way," the LAPD said in a news release.

Similar instances also have been reported recently involving the homes of Charlie Sheen, Miley Cyrus and Simon Cowell.

Related content: