Posted on 10/11/2004 4:02:48 PM PDT by missyme
EDMOND, Oklahoma (Reuters) - An Oklahoma man desperate to save his marriage by appearing like a hero to his wife ended up in police custody on suspicion of staging a crime where he hired burglars and foiled their fake robbery attempt, police said on Friday.
Trent Spencer, 27, of Edmond, north of Oklahoma City, was charged this week with the misdemeanor crime of filing a false report, said police spokeswoman Glynda Chu.
According to police, Spencer, a high school teacher, paid two students $100 each to break into his house and try to make off with a stereo.
The masked students tied his wife with duct tape and her husband was in the house just in time to foil the supposed crime, police said.
Police said Spencer attacked the two in a choreographed fight, even hitting one with a board that he had cut to break in half. The plan was going well until his wife freed herself and called police, something Spencer did not anticipate, police said.
Police rushed to the scene and eventually tracked down the fake burglars.
"It was the most bizarre hoax we've ever had," Chu said. "It's sad because he was so desperate."
Mighty Mouse to the Rescue???
Sounds like the plot of a Cohen Brothers movie...
Yes, it was a bizarre, sick story that unfolded here. Many thought the lovesick "hero" should be charged with something more serious, but I guess the misdemeanor charge is all they can pin on him.
IS this story from your home town?
The story sounds funny but is essence very sad...
I don't he seems more in love with himself than Tarasa
You could make a pretty good black comedy with this material. If only I was a screenwriter...
The guy should go to jail for putting those kids lives at risk. I'm sure he sweet talked them with lines like "It's ok, you won't get in trouble because it's my house" or "It will be out little secret", but this guy could have got them KILLED. What if the police or a neighbor had heard her initial screams and run over armed? I certainly wouldn't hesitate to protect the woman next door to me if I spotted masked intruders tying her up in her home, and my definition of "protect" generally includes the use of one or more firearms.
As for the rest of it, I can appreciate the guys position and hope that the whole stunt showed him what his true feelings...and his true intelligence level...really are. He apparently had no qualms with terrorizing her and letting her get manhandled by complete strangers in a juvenile and pathetic attempt to get his way. Her next stop, if she's any more intelligent than he is, should be divorce court.
mhking: For your "Just Damn" list?
"The guy should go to jail for putting those kids lives at risk. I'm sure he sweet talked them with lines like "It's ok, you won't get in trouble because it's my house" or "It will be our little secret", but this guy could have got them KILLED. What if the police or a neighbor had heard her initial screams and run over armed?"
If I were dramatizing it for a movie that's exactly what I'd have happen. It'd be called "My Hero". Steve Buscemi could play the role of the husband...maybe an obnoxious Roseanne Barr as the wife.
Yes, Edmond is my hometown but the story was broadcast statewide. You're right: I had a good chuckle when I first heard about it, but the "hero" is a pretty pathetic, sad character. He's the laughing stock of the OKC metro area right now, though it wouldn't have been too funny if his estranged wife had gotten hurt during the commission of the crime. Fortunately, she didn't, at least physically, from all I've heard. That guy needs some serious help.
This guy's a high school teacher?
From what I understand he was, and that's apparently how he was able to find two juveniles to help him with his "gag" (that's apparently what he told them, that it was a big joke that even the victim was in on, which is why they're not being charged with anything, to my knowledge).
The kid's parents should sue him.
Boy does that bring back cartoon memories....
"Here I come to save the day!"
Just damn.
If you want on the list, FReepmail me. This IS a high-volume PING list...
My husband would not have to stage a house robbery for me to think he's a hero. I hope she's worth it. Something is really wrong that marriage. It's so sad.
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