Every year, we see some truly bizarre crime stories, but it’s only May, and Texas may already have a strong candidate for the “Dumbest Criminal of 2025”. This story out of Lakeway, Texas, has people shaking their heads — and laughing out loud.
Even if you’re not a criminal mastermind, most Texans know how to spot an unmarked police car. But clearly, this guy didn’t get the memo.
What Happened in Lakeway?
Undercover officers in Lakeway were on a stakeout, trying to catch a car thief. Their plan was simple: use Automated License Plate Recognition (ALPR) cameras to track down a stolen vehicle spotted earlier near downtown Austin.
But what happened next was something no one saw coming…
How He Got Caught
Instead of police finding the thief — the thief found them. Yes, really.
The man tried to steal the unmarked police car being used by officers on the scene — not realizing it was a cop car filled with cops. As soon as he figured out his big mistake, he tried to run away, but that didn’t end well.
He was quickly caught and arrested, and — to make things even worse — police found he was already in possession of another stolen car at the time.
Let’s just say: This guy picked the wrong ride.
Other Dumb Texas Criminals
While this car thief might take the top prize this year, he’s not the only one who’s made questionable choices in the Lone Star State.
Here are two other unforgettable Texas fails:
- Bank Robber Shows ID
- One man in Texas tried to rob a bank, but the teller told him she needed to see his ID first.
- He actually showed it to her! During his escape attempt, he tried to use a woman with a baby as a hostage — but she fought back and took him down.
Thief Leaves ID at the Scene
- A Houston burglar broke into a place and left behind both his cell phone and a traffic ticket with his real name on it. Not exactly subtle.
It’s Not Just Texas…
Texas may have its fair share of dumb criminals, but don’t worry — other states are in the running too.
- Pennsylvania: A guy tried to rob a retired police chief— who was attending a police officers’ convention at the time.
- New Mexico: A shoplifter left his business card with the store clerk before leaving with stolen goods.
- Arizona: A shooter was identified instantly—thanks to his New York Yankees tattoo smack in the middle of his forehead.