A Baltimore burglar called police to report his truck stolen, only to be arrested moments later when officers connected him to a break-in at a nearby Verizon store—complete with blood evidence and bodycam footage that captured the entire ironic encounter.

Criminal Reports His Own Vehicle Theft

Jalen Godard, 29, contacted Baltimore police on July 8 to report his truck had been stolen from a parking lot. He claimed he was at a McDonald’s when someone drove off with his vehicle. Minutes later, police received a separate call about a burglary at a Verizon store on Baltimore National Pike. When officers arrived at the scene, Godard approached them about his stolen truck, unaware police were investigating a crime he allegedly committed.

Bodycam footage released by the Howard County Police Department shows Godard speaking with officers while keeping his left hand concealed in his sweatshirt pocket. His explanation for being in the area raised suspicions. An investigator examining the Verizon store noticed blood on a broken window that appeared to be the burglar’s entry point. When officers asked to see both of Godard’s hands, they discovered his left hand was covered in blood.

Blood Evidence Leads to Immediate Arrest

Officers immediately placed Godard under arrest after seeing the blood on his hand and glasses. During questioning, he repeatedly denied entering the Verizon store, insisting someone had stolen his truck. Police bodycam footage shows surveillance video from inside the store depicting a man in a black balaclava, black top, and gray sweatpants removing multiple items from shelves. During the pat-down, officers found additional blood on Godard’s shirt, further connecting him to the crime scene.

The arresting officer acknowledged the irony of the situation, asking Godard if the stolen truck was karma. When Godard began to explain he had left his keys in the vehicle, the officer laughed and agreed it was indeed karmic justice. The suspect continued to insist his truck had been stolen even as officers placed him in the back of a police SUV.

Charges Filed Against Suspect

Howard County Police charged Godard with burglary, theft, and destruction of property following his arrest. The case represents an unusual instance where a suspect reported himself as a crime victim while actively being investigated for a separate offense. Police have not released information about the individual who stole Godard’s truck, and it remains unclear whether that person will face charges. The bodycam footage released by the department highlights how suspects sometimes inadvertently place themselves at crime scenes.