UPDATE: Chicago's Dumbest Thief

Bernie Tafoya, Associated Press Reporting

CHICAGO (WBBM) -- CHICAGO -- Chicago Police say no one could make this story up...

18-year-old Ruben Zarate, entered a muffler shop in the 2600 block of North Laramie Avenue yesterday and declared a robbery. He allegedly waved a gun around and demanded money, according to police.

When he was told the money was in a safe and that the manager who knew how to open it was not there, the suspect had a brilliant idea; at least he thought it was brilliant.

He gave the shop employees his cell phone number and asked them to call him when the manager arrived so he could open the safe for him.

He left and the employees opted to call 911. Authorities stationed plain clothes officers in the shop and called the would-be robber back.

Zarate, showed up again, and waved his gun around again, but this time was shot in the leg by an officer.

He had surgery at Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center and is said to have suffered non-life-threatening injuries. Zarate, of the 5100 block of West Schubert Avenue, was charged with three counts of attempted armed robbery and one count of aggravated assault to a police officer, the latter for allegedly pointing a gun at the officer, said the Cook County state’s attorney’s office.

One officer with 20 years on the force, said this is one of the more “unusual” cases he’s seen.

Print Page

Email This Page

Featured Audio

The Healthy Minute For November 4th
Getting to the root of the problem.

The Ross Crystal Showbiz Express
A Couple of 'Wild & Crazy' Guys are Tapped to Host the 'Oscars' More Reality for David Hasselhoff? Oprah & Tyler Team Up for "Precious"

8:30am News To Go For 11-04-09

4:30pm News To Go For 11-3-09
Our 4:30 news block, taken off-air, plus the hottest interview from our Noon Business Hour.

Eating Right For Nov. 3, 2009
Tips on living and eating healthy.