There are some instances where the locked car cannot be opened from inside even if u pull the lock. But when u unlock from inside and try opening from outside it would.. I think this is something connected with child lock feature..
This actually used to happen when i take office cabs.. in it u need to pull the lock from inside but it wouldnt open. Then my driver used to get out and open from outside.. Later we had the cab drivers instructed from office that they shouldnt on the child lock feature when taking associates due to safety issues as well..
so i wouldnt say it is completely illogical.. its a completely possible scenario.. just that many of us are not aware of!!