In what can only be described as a bizarre turn of events, an Odenton man allegedly fell victim to a vehicle theft while simultaneously breaking into a nearby business. Authorities have since named the individual as Jalen Godard, 29, who has been charged with burglary, theft, and destruction of property.
Police were already on the scene investigating a stolen car report when a second call came in regarding a burglary at a Verizon retail location just across Baltimore National Pike.
Law enforcement investigators linked the incidents when they saw blood on the shop’s window, which looked like the stains found on the eyewear of the individual claiming his truck had been taken, according to Fox 5 DC.
READ ALSO: Man in Batman pajamas stops burglary, detains suspect before police arrive
When officers ordered him to present his hands, they reportedly noticed bloodstains on his clothing and skin, prompting them to place him in handcuffs instantly.
The suspect continued to claim he was innocent of the retail store break-in, according to bodycam footage that was made public, even though other security tapes purportedly caught him in the middle of the crime.
“I wasn’t at no Verizon store, sir. I promise to God,” Godard pleaded in the video, only for the officer to tell him, “the gig’s up”.
The Howard County Police Department posted the video on X with the caption, “Don’t you hate it when your car gets stolen while you’re committing a burglary? Great work by PFC Buchanan connecting the dots to the burglary across the street when this suspect called to report his car was stolen. Karma, indeed.”
Before loading the suspect into the back of a police cruiser, an officer could be heard saying, “That’s some karma right there, dude.”
READ ALSO: Detroit man charged after allegedly forcing his 11-old-daughter to help him in burglary
The police have not yet released information about the person who took off with the suspect’s truck.
WMAR 2 News reported that Godard is no stranger to the legal system, as judicial documents reveal a previous record involving similar criminal activity.
Back in January 2021, he entered a guilty plea for second-degree burglary within Baltimore County, a case that ultimately resulted in him receiving probation before judgment.
Godard is currently detained without the possibility of bail, with his subsequent judicial appearance scheduled for July 24.
Meanwhile, social media users are completely baffled at the hilarious turn of events.
One comment read, “Hilarious situation. Nice arrest.”
Another said, “All he had to do was call the police from home and say, ‘I woke up and saw someone stole my truck.’”
Another stated, “This is policing with a human face.”
READ ALSO: ‘There’s a karma to every action’ – Marlon Wayans warns 50 Cent after release of Diddy docuseries
Last Edited by:Mildred Europa TaylorUpdated: July 17, 2026
