The night watchman claimed he saw a burglar smash the front window from the inside, grab the painting, and run out. Detective Gable arrested the watchman immediately. Why?
Windows smash outward when broken from the inside
If the burglar was inside and smashed the window to escape, the glass shards would fall outward onto the street, not inward. The watchman lied about being on the inside.
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: Medium. More like this: Detective riddles with answers or try Truth & Lie Island for a different kind of puzzle.
More detective riddles
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A priceless golden amulet was stolen from an exhibition hall during a power outage that lasted exactly ten minutes. The backup generator kicked in instantly, bathing the room in red emergency light. Three suspects were detained inside the pitch-black vault corridor before the lights returned: Arthur, who was holding a white handkerchief; Brenda, who had dark charcoal smudges on her fingertips; and Charles, who was wearing polarized sunglasses. Detective Vance arrested the thief without hesitation. Who was it?

