Man Uses Google Translate In Attempted Robbery

In Newark, New Jersey, a guy decides he’s gonna rob an Ecuadorian restaurant—using Google Translate. Yeah. His big plan was to type his stickup note into the app, hit “translate to Spanish,” and show it to the cashier. Very 21st century of him.

He even ordered a coffee first, because apparently caffeine is key to a good felony. But here’s the punchline—the cashier only spoke English. The guy’s threats went nowhere, he got mad, threw his coffee, and stormed out empty-handed.

The owner said he also chucked a vase for dramatic effect before bolting. Turns out, the would-be criminal didn’t speak Spanish at all. In Newark’s Ironbound district—known for its Hispanic community—he just assumed everyone did.

Police are still looking for him. When your robbery plan involves Google Translate, it’s safe to say “career criminal” isn’t your future.