Ohio has had its fair share of ill-advised criminal activities this week. Here are the top five stories showcasing some of the state’s most clueless lawbreakers. These stories are bound to leave you shaking your head in disbelief.
Man Steals Police Car, Arrested in Driveway
On June 16th, Jeffery Blake, 30, thought he could evade arrest by stealing a Marion police car. After being stopped for a minor traffic violation, Blake jumped into the police car when the officer stepped out. We’ve seen this before. Normally, the suspect will lead police on a long chase. That is not the case for Mr. Blake. He didn’t get far—Blake drove straight to his own home, where he was promptly arrested.
Unusual ATM Heist
On June 20th, Barry Wilson, 41, of Washington Courthouse, attempted to break open an ATM using a blowtorch. Unfortunately, Wilson didn’t realize that heat would also destroy the money inside the machine. Police arrived to find Wilson standing in front of a smoking, melted ATM with burnt cash, leading to his immediate arrest.
Tasered While Filming TikTok
On June 18th, Joshua Martin was live-streaming his attempt to break into a Lancaster car dealership on TikTok, hoping to gain followers. His viewers got more than they bargained for when police arrived mid-stream. The officers swiftly tasered and arrested Martin, who was more focused on his phone than his surroundings.
BBQ Burglar Burns Himself
On June 19th, Tim Sanders, 29, decided to rob a local BBQ joint but got sidetracked by the aroma of smoked ribs. He attempted to cook himself a meal on the restaurant’s grill but accidentally set his shirt on fire. In a panic, he ran out of the building and right into the arms of waiting Batavia police officers responding to the fire alarm he triggered.
Robber Calls Ahead
A Springfield man called a local bank to inform them he would be robbing them later that day. The bank staff promptly called the police, who were waiting when the man, John Stevens, 34, arrived. Despite his protests that his call was a lark, Stevens was arrested on the spot.
These tales of misfortune highlight the sometimes laughable lengths criminals will go to, often leading to their undoing. Stay tuned for more bizarre and entertaining stories from Ohio’s less successful lawbreakers.