Not everyone can be a criminal mastermind, and shows like "America's Dumbest Criminals" makea profit by showcasing those who did not put adequate thought into their schemes. From burglars who butt-dial while breaking into a vehicle tostoners who inadvertently call the local police station to buy weed to the drunk driver who called 9-1-1 to report herself, stories abound of criminalswho just don't have what it takes.
Now, Oklahoma City can add another person to the list of stupid criminals.
But first, a little pop quiz:
If you are a burglar transporting a carload of stolen goods, and your car breaks down, what do you do?
A. Call a friend to help you move the stolen property.
B. Call AAA or your local roadside assistance for a tow to the nearest mechanic.
C. Flag down a passing police cruiser for help.
If you are 21-year-old Devonte Clark, the answer, obviously, is C.
Police say Clark had burglarized a number of Oklahoma City homes. His vehicle was full of stolen loot from one such burglary when it broke down last month. When police officers stopped to help Clark with his disabled vehicle, they allegedly discovered stolen property belonging to another Oklahoma City man.
Clark was arrested on a burglary complaint and taken to the Oklahoma County Jail. Unfortunately for him, his problems only got worse.
Realizing that police had already found evidence of burglary in his vehicle, Clark allegedly wanted to make sure they did not find evidence of other crimes. Police say he made multiple phone calls from the Oklahoma County Jail--which obviously has a monitored phone line--in which he gave another person directions to a vacant home in northwest Oklahoma City. He told the recipient of the call--which was heard by police--that there was more "stuff" hidden at the home.
Police arrived at the vacant home and allegedly discovered stolen items from four area homes, including shotguns, a rifle, laptop computers, and a 40-inch television.
Under Oklahoma law, second degree burglary is a felony punishable by 2 to 7 years in prison. Click here to learn more about Oklahoma burglary laws.
