Even those of us who live in safe communities know that a burglar can strike anytime, anywhere.
That’s why most of us try to put as many safeguards in place as possible, because it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Some folks protect their homes by installing security systems, or setting up ominous signs that claim that the lovable Labrador behind the door is actually an “attack dog.”
Others do their bit by spreading the word to the community about new burglary tactics, as we saw with this scary rubber band trick that went viral.
In fact, community is a huge part of keeping a neighborhood safe. But what happens when the burglar himself is the Good Samaritan?
It’s not a situation that many people ever encounter, but one Denver man experienced it first hand when his home was burglarized by, apparently, a well-meaning soul who would never normally rob anyone.
Read on below to learn the burglar’s surprising explanation for his crime.
Dave Keating of the Washington Park neighborhood in Denver, CO, was burglarized last year.
His house was broken into, but as far as he could tell, not much of anything had been stolen from the house.
Then, the next day, he received an envelope full of cash and a note of apology from his burglar.
According to Denver's 9News, the note read:
“I’m so sorry. [I] was driving near your home when I felt a heart attack coming on.
Didn't have any medication and thought if I could find some aspirin quickly, I would survive."
Heart attack symptoms often involve chest and arm pain, shortness of breath, and dizziness, and can be truly terrifying, especially behind the wheel.
Aspirin is one of the most medically recommended first aid treatments for a heart attack, according to Harvard Medical School, and can buy patients precious time before emergency responders arrive.
The note continues:
“The alarm freaked me out, and I left, but thankfully made it back to my car and was able to get care.
Again, I am so sorry (and embarrassed).
Please find $300 enclosed for the damage, and I hope you will forgive me."
Evidently, Keating's home security system did its job, and the remorseful criminal took himself to the hospital, which is probably what should have happened in the first place.
Still, it's not entirely surprising that his instinct was to find aspirin, by any means necessary.
If the man was having a heart attack, or even just a panic attack, which can involve very similar symptoms, it's likely that he was genuinely terrified.
Fear and panic can motivate people to make all sort of decisions that they wouldn't make under normal circumstances and can affect judgment.
The beautiful Washington Park neighborhood, named after the park it flanks, is not historically a high-crime area.
Though it is in a major urban center, the neighborhood tends to be more residential.
In fact, they report a crime rate 47 percent lower than the national average, making it an exceptionally safe place to live.
Perhaps that's why, when a crime was committed, the criminal had such an atypical response.
Keating's heart attack burglar came back the next day and left his note, along with $300 in cash, for repairs.
Unfortunately, the cash was taken into evidence in the crime, but remains a kind gesture nonetheless.
Were you astonished by the plot twist to this crime? Let us know below, and don't forget to SHARE with friends!
