A security system recorded a break-in at 2:15 AM on Tuesday. The suspect had a timestamped receipt from a diner 50 miles away at 2:00 AM the same night. Assuming normal driving speeds, how did Detective Vance prove the suspect committed the crime?
It is impossible to drive 50 miles in 15 minutes
Traveling 50 miles in just 15 minutes requires an average speed of 200 mph, proving the receipt was fake or manipulated.
About this riddle
Detective riddles are tiny mysteries. Look for the detail in the story that does not fit; it is usually the clue that solves the case.
Difficulty: Easy. More like this: Detective riddles with answers or try Truth & Lie Island for a different kind of puzzle.
More detective riddles
Detective Hayes entered a dark warehouse where a watchman lay tied to a chair. The watchman gasped, 'Two masked men jumped me from behind, knocked me out, and stole the shipment of microchips!' Hayes shined his flashlight on the watchman's glasses, which were smudged with grease exclusively on the outer lenses, and shook his head. What exposed the watchman's lie?
Ana's stocking hangs left of Tom's, and Tom's hangs left of Sam's. Whose stocking is in the middle?
A ship's captain was found murdered in his locked cabin. His logbook was open on the desk, with the final entry written in neat handwriting: 'Heading north at ten knots, all is quiet.' Detective Thorne checked the ship's navigation system and immediately ordered the arrest of the first mate. Why?
Inspector Vance found the victim slumped over a desk with a digital clock displaying 12:00, a glass of water, and an open book. The power in the city had been out for six hours. What gave away the foul play?
The curator swore the rare sapphire was stolen between midnight and 3 AM while he slept in the next room. Detective Vance checked the desk lamp near the broken glass; the bulb was hot to the touch at 3:05 AM. Why did Vance immediately arrest the curator?
A diamond necklace was stolen from a hotel safe during a blackout. Three suspects were questioned. Tom, the bellhop, said he was trapped in the elevator when the power cut out. Maya, the chef, said she was using a gas burner to melt chocolate by candlelight. Leo, the night manager, said he was reviewing security tapes on his laptop in the pitch-black office. The detective arrested the liar instantly. Who was it?