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Most Incompetent Bike Thief Caught After Popping Wheelie, Falling Off

The world’s most incompetent bike thief was out lurking through Madison, Wisconsin a couple of days ago, and got caught because he had the misfortune of coming across the world’s most uncooperative victim.
Knife used by Madison bike thief caught after popping wheelie and falling off 5 photos
Photo: cityofmadison.com
2019 Suzuki RM-Z2502019 Suzuki RM-Z2502019 Suzuki RM-Z2502019 Suzuki RM-Z250
Shannon M. Owen, 41 years old, ended up in police custody after a bungled bike theft. Armed with a knife, he approached the victim, who had just pulled over on his bike and dismounted, the Madison Police Department says in an incident report published online.

Brandishing the knife, Owen demanded that the victim give him the keys to the motorcycle, but the victim refused. Eventually, the victim said he would do it, but instead threw the keys in the grass. Owen yelled after him not to call the cops, which, you guessed it, the victim did right after getting himself to a safe distance.

While he was running away, Owen was still trying to steal his bike.

“The suspect was having a good deal of trouble getting the bike started. So much so, that by the time he fired it up, officers were arriving on scene. They watched as the robber revved the bike and popped a wheelie,” the PD writes.

The bike shot out from under the thief and he was suddenly without the fast and reliable means of transportation he was counting on to get out of trouble. So he ran on foot but, the PD says, didn’t get to far. He was arrested for armed robbery and resisting / obstructing arrest, so he presumably continued putting up a fight as police were trying to detain him.

“It turns out a speedier, and potentially much more effective getaway, was stymied by sticky starter button. The victim explained to officers the one on his bike is somewhat problematic and it takes some proper finessing before you're good to go,” the PD writes.

Because getting arrested is not harsh enough, poor Owen also got slowly burned by the police in just one paragraph.
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About the author: Elena Gorgan
Elena Gorgan profile photo

Elena has been writing for a living since 2006 and, as a journalist, she has put her double major in English and Spanish to good use. She covers automotive and mobility topics like cars and bicycles, and she always knows the shows worth watching on Netflix and friends.
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