Chicago's police department has apologised to rapper Ice Cube after it said a man suspected of a number of sexual assaults bore a resemblance to the hip-hop star.
Police issued a warning to the public on Sunday as they searched for a man who allegedly attacked three women in the Wicker Park area of the city.
Local television station WBBM-TV then broadcast one of the rapper's videos alongside a report of the story during an evening news programme.
The police alert said the man they were searching for "resembles the popular rap artist Ice Cube".
Cast members working alongside the performer on the film Barbershop 2 saw the news story and video on the channel.
"This is an unfortunate and hurtful situation for Ice Cube," said his spokesman, Matt Labov.
"That his good name ever came up in association with the events currently taking place in Chicago's Wicker Park area is damaging to Ice Cube as a father, husband and artist," he added.
Mr Labov said the TV station had also apologised to the rapper.
A spokeswoman for the channel admitted they had used the video, based on the police alert.
"Our information was taken directly from the Chicago Police Department community alert," said Elizabeth Shapiro.
The warning was later reissued by police with no reference to Ice Cube.
"We took immediate corrective action," said police spokesman David Bayless.
"We apologise to Ice Cube for what was an honest mistake and came with no ill-intent," he said.
