The man first said that someone broke into his apartment, but it was obvious to Bealefeld that the burglar had a key.
"There was no forced entry. He was talking in circles," Bealefeld said.
The man also said that a check was stolen, a detail Bealefeld found hard to believe.
" 'Wait a minute,' " Bealefeld thought, " 'nobody robs you of a check. Why didn't you cancel the check?' It was those kinds of inconsistencies."
Turned out the man was covering for the suspect, who happened to be his lover and a Palestinian.
Bealefeld said police were "very grateful" for his help.
Connect the dots
If naked bikers don't do it for you, you can shell out for animals in higher style. The Duchess of Windsor's 112th birthday party, a benefit for Animal Rescue Inc., takes place Sunday at 206 E. Biddle St. Info: duchessparty@aol.com. The invite specifies casual attire but "outrageous jewelry required." ... Zellweger-watchers needn't lurk around swanky shopping districts. After I reported Renee Zellweger sightings in Harbor East, not one, but two readers reported spotting her at the Towson Target. Zellweger, who began filming My One and Only in Upperco on Monday, bought liquid hand soap, according to one of my spies. ... Seems the guys from MTV's Making the Band 4 aren't always lousy tippers. I reported recently that the reality show musicians, in town to appear at Pier Six, stiffed the waitress at Baltimore's James Joyce Irish Pub and Restaurant. They made a better impression at Obrycki's Crab House, where they picked up a carryout order and left the bartender a $50 tip. Said owner Rob Cernak: "We found them to be very gracious and generous." They also tipped at Roy's, says the manager there. ... So I try to get away from Maryland politicos for a few days and whom do I meet at my 20th reunion at Trinity College in Hartford, Conn.? Erin Clarke Gorden, a classmate I never knew. Her mom is Baltimore City Councilwoman Mary Pat Clarke.
