Officers of the Bellefontaine Police Department are searching for a vehicle that was stolen early Monday, Sept. 30, minutes after law enforcement nearly caught two suspects in the act of vandalizing the car.
Officers on patrol at approximately 4:11 a.m responded to MIG Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM, 1751 S. Main Street on a report of a white 2016 Dodge Charger parked in the lot with its headlights on.
Upon inspection, two suspects were spotted hiding behind the vehicle but fled the scene on foot when officers approached. The suspects, described as two young males dressed in all-black clothing and hoodies, were last seen running westbound toward south Main Street. Despite efforts from multiple officers, the suspects were not located.
Upon further investigation, officers found the rear passenger window of the Charger had been shattered, with glass both inside and outside the vehicle. The vehicle’s doors were unlocked, and after checking the vehicle identification number, it was confirmed to be a 2016 Dodge Charger.
Law enforcement requested the car dealership’s owner to permit them to tow the vehicle for further processing, but the owner of the dealership refused to allow the car to be towed. The vehicle had already been sold, officers were told, and the new owner was coming in from Missouri to pick up the car. The dealership would replace the busted window and complete the sale.
About 45 minutes later, around 7 a.m., a MIG service manager reported that the white Dodge Charger had been stolen from the lot. The manager heard a vehicle start outside and witnessed the Charger being driven off the lot southbound.
Local law enforcement agencies issued an alert of the vehicle. Not long after, an off-duty sheriff’s deputy reportedly observed the stolen Charger traveling eastbound on U.S. Route 33 at speeds exceeding 100 miles per hour. The Charger was seen dangerously passing vehicles in the grassy median and along the right berm of the highway. Due to the high-risk nature of the pursuit, the deputy was unable to continue following the vehicle.
In addition to the Charger theft, officers discovered another vehicle at the dealership with a broken window. The rear passenger quarter panel window of a black 2021 Dodge Durango had been shattered, but no entry was made, and the doors remained locked.
The investigation into the theft and high-speed chase is ongoing. The stolen Charger had a green MIG advertisement license plate affixed and was last seen heading toward the Franklin County area. Law enforcement is continuing to search for the vehicle and suspects. The Charger, which was reportedly sold for $22,400, was entered into the L.E.A.D.S. system, and authorities are holding the vehicle for prints if it is recovered.
Anyone with information on the suspects or the location of the vehicle is urged to contact local authorities.