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Looking for some news about grand theft auto over your coffee this late morning? Well, we’re not discussing the video game here. Instead, we’re diving into a real-life story of auto theft that’s just as bizarre.
According to Carscoops, law enforcement in San Antonio has arrested several individuals linked to a local chop shop. While this might sound like a mundane news headline, the details reveal a character known as “Hellcat Mike,” who allegedly focuses on Dodge Hellcat-powered vehicles.
In a year-long investigation known as “Operation Hellcat Mike,” the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office discovered that Hellcat Mike and several accomplices were stealing high-performance Dodge vehicles. They would strip these cars of their engines and other technical components, then install them into less conspicuous Stellantis models. These modified vehicles were then advertised for sale on Facebook Marketplace at about half the price of their original high-performance versions. Furthermore, this group had a unique calling card: a large Hellcat logo that they applied to the rear door and C-pillar of the entry-level Chargers they were selling.
Law enforcement had been monitoring the shop, located on the north side of San Antonio, and took action when they stopped a Chrysler 300 leaving the premises. Red flags were raised when the VIN sticker on the 300 did not correspond with the vehicle’s onboard computer, which indicated it was a $124,000 Charger. Notably, a Charger with that VIN had been reported stolen months earlier, along with its ECU and engine. On the same day, a Ram 1500 departed from the shop bearing a license plate belonging to another stolen Charger, raising further suspicions.
Equipped with a search warrant, sheriff’s deputies conducted a raid on the property. Their initial findings included seven stolen vehicles and numerous stolen parts, including PCMs obtained from local dealerships, as well as a Charger that was in the process of being modified.
“Hellcat” Mike Wilson, aged 37, along with three other men aged between 19 to 33, were apprehended. Two additional suspects, both 18, are still at large. The arrested individuals face various charges, including organized crime, unauthorized vehicle use, and vehicle theft. Hellcat Mike is currently facing a significant bond of $750,000 for his involvement in the chop shop and related activities.
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