Raleigh, North Carolina – Raleigh police are actively searching for an orange Dodge Challenger that was stolen from the parking lot of a Fairfield Inn on Sellona Street during Monday night.

Michael Calvin, a Marine Corps veteran and resident of Jones County, is the unfortunate owner of the stolen vehicle. Describing it as his dream car, Calvin expressed his devastation, stating, This was my bucket list car. The stolen car is a special 2020 50th-anniversary edition that Calvin purchased directly from the showroom floor. He reminisced, That was one of my bucket list to walk into a dealership and go: Hey, I want that car.

Heartbreaking Discovery

Calvin and his wife were staying at the hotel and left their room for a doctor’s appointment on Tuesday morning, only to find shattered glass where the prized Challenger had been parked. Calvin lamented, I had an appointment at 10 o’clock today, and so we went down to check out from the hotel and my car was gone.

Despite ensuring the car was locked and keeping the key fob with him in his room overnight, Calvin was met with the grim reality of its disappearance.

Struggling with Adversity

For Calvin, this theft adds another layer of difficulty to an already challenging period in his life. Diagnosed with colon cancer three years ago, he has been undergoing treatment, making the trip to Raleigh for medical care. Reflecting on his situation, he expressed, It’s been a lot for the last three years and it just seems like, really, I didn’t think this would be a thing to worry about, but unfortunately it is.

Rise in Dodge Vehicle Thefts

Calvin’s Challenger is not an isolated case. Dodge sports cars have increasingly become targets for theft in recent years. According to the Highway Loss Data Institute, three of the four most stolen vehicles belong to the Dodge brand.

The institute’s list, based on relative claim frequency, ranks Dodge Charger SRT Hellcats, Charger HEMIs, and Challengers at one, two, and four, respectively.

Unique Design Raises Hope

In a bid to recover his cherished vehicle, Calvin is hopeful that its distinctive features will aid in its identification. He mentioned, There’s only 70 mango orange scat packs that they made that look like that car.

Ongoing Investigation

Raleigh police have launched an investigation into the theft but have yet to apprehend any suspects. They urge anyone with information regarding the stolen Dodge Challenger to come forward and assist in the investigation. Individuals can contact the Raleigh Police Department or Crimestoppers to provide tips anonymously.

Conclusion: Seeking Resolution

As Michael Calvin grapples with the loss of his beloved Challenger, the search for the stolen vehicle continues. With each passing moment, the hope for its safe return remains strong, bolstered by the unique identifiers that distinguish it from other vehicles. The support of the community in providing information to aid law enforcement efforts is paramount in achieving a swift resolution to this distressing incident.

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Sources:

• WNCN
• Highway Loss Data Institute

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