Early on Monday morning, a group of six suspects attempted to steal six brand-new 2024 Dodge Durango SUVs from a car upfitter in Warren, Michigan. The incident occurred around 6:30 a.m. at Ground Effects, Ltd. (GFX), a company contracted by Stellantis to install special graphics and accessories on select Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep®, and Ram vehicles.
The attempted heist was thwarted when the suspects, who were well-prepared and organized, crashed into the security gate while trying to make their escape. Warren Police responded quickly after a 911 call reported suspicious activity in the rear parking lot, where several Stellantis vehicles were stored.
According to Warren Police Sergeant Jim Twardesky, the suspects appeared to have a clear plan. “They came in, they clearly had a plan. They knew what they were going for,” Twardesky stated. The group even brought extra gasoline, anticipating the need for a long drive, as the cars on the lot typically have minimal fuel.
Five of the six vehicles targeted were high-performance SRT models, which can sell for over $100,000 each. These Durangos were likely the SRT392-based AlcHEMI “Last Call” models, identifiable by their distinctive yellow brake calipers, which were at the upfitter for their signature stripe installations.
The suspects’ plan unraveled when they were unable to break through the reinforced security gate. “The first car attempts to ram his way through the gate; he’s unsuccessful,” Twardesky explained. “A second car tries to ram his way through the gate—pretty impressive construction—they weren’t able to get through.”
After failing to breach the gate, the suspects attempted to flee on foot. However, the police quickly apprehended five of the six individuals involved. The arrested suspects include two 16-year-olds, two 17-year-olds, and one 24-year-old, all from Detroit. The sixth suspect remains at large, and police are actively searching for them.
The estimated value of the attempted theft and the damage to the property is around $500,000. Warren police are reviewing security footage that shows the suspects hopping the fence and attempting to steal the SUVs. The case is currently under review by the prosecutor’s office to determine the appropriate charges.
Source: Fox 2 Detroit
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