Charger Stolen from Dealership in Broad Daylight Evades Police over 160 MPH
18-Year-Old Suspect steals a Dodge Charger from a dealership in broad daylight at gunpoint; police call off pursuit as speeds reach up to 169 miles per hour.
It’s no secret that Hemi-powered Dodge icons like Charger and Challenger models are often the targets of car thieves. It’s easy to see why they’re attractive, of course. We’re certainly not advocating that anyone steal a car. However, if you were going to do it, this story is a phenomenal example of just about the worst way that you could possibly go about it. Take notes, would-be car thieves. Stealing a car at gunpoint in broad daylight from a dealership covered in cameras is not the play.
According to The Excelsior Citizen, 18-year-old suspect Javon Baker approached the Heartland Dodge dealership and snuck around the parked cars to remain unseen. Then, as a salesman and another individual were pulling away in the targeted 2016 Dodge Charger Hellcat, Baker allegedly approached the vehicle and carjacked the salesman at gunpoint. He proceeded to drive off the lot and sped away on the (ironically named) Jesse James road. Unfortunately for Baker, the entire situation was caught on many cameras covering the dealership quite extensively.
You Can Run, but You Can’t Hide
Police initially pursued the stolen Hellcat but called the pursuit off for public safety as the stolen car reached speeds of up to 169 miles per hour. Police responded to calls reporting that the thief had abandoned the vehicle near a high school and recovered the car. The suspect ripped apart the interior of the vehicle to try to remove the Hellcat’s built-in GPS tracking system. The sales manager at Heartland reports that the thief caused massive damage to the interior of the car.
Security footage shows the suspect leaving the car abandoned and fleeing the scene. Police used the footage and a K-9 unit to track Baker down at a nearby apartment complex. They arrested him and charged him with felony first-degree robbery, armed criminal action, and resisting/interfering with arrest. Baker was granted a bond set at $150,000. However, conditions include GPS monitoring, weekly bond supervision, and no contact with victims or witnesses. At the time of the news article, Baker had not yet bail, and police transported him to a nearby detention center. Police say they suspect Baker could be tied to more recent carjacking and thefts in Kansas City.
Photos of the Charger back at the dealership show the aftermath. Other than some damage to the front bumper, the exterior of the car seems to be largely okay. Remember, folks. If you have a Hellcat, keep your eyes peeled and keep it stored in a safe location!
