Surveillance shows crew casing Dodge Hellcat for about 30 minutes before theft in Delaware County

Wednesday, January 14, 2026
PROSPECT PARK, Pa. (WPVI) -- Surveillance footage captured a group of suspects spending nearly half an hour scoping out a muscle car before stealing it early Sunday morning in Prospect Park.

The 23-year-old owner was asleep inside his upstairs apartment at the time.

The victim, who asked not to show his face, said the car - a frostbite blue 2020 Dodge Charger Hellcat - was his dream vehicle.

"I've worked my way from the base model all the way up to that one. So, it just sucks," he said. He estimated he spent about $80,000 on it.

He said there was little sign of the break-in.



"Little bit of glass and that was about it. Car was gone," he said.

Prospect Park Police Sgt. Henry O'Neill said officers were familiar with the car.

"This particular car, extremely loud. We know it from working in the area, we know the car just based on its appearance and the sound," O'Neill said.

The theft occurred around 2:30 a.m. on the 800 block of 12th Avenue. O'Neill said the owner had taken precautions.

"This car was stolen with no fault of the owner. It was locked, it had a kill switch in it, it had an alarm. They defeated all that," he said.



Two suspects were seen driving the Hellcat away as at least one other person followed in a black Acura.

Investigators later learned the Acura had also been reported stolen and belonged to a police officer in Bucks County.

O'Neill said the group appeared to be organized.

"They're scoping things out. They're driving around, maybe in a regular car, looking for other cars to take," he said.

Police tracked both vehicles to Southwest Philadelphia, but the victim doubts he will see his car again.



"They're easily stolen. Dodge hasn't done anything to update the security systems for the cars and it's just known they can be stolen," he said.

Authorities said stolen vehicles are often given new VINs and resold whole or for parts on social media.

Investigators said they are pursuing all possible leads.
Copyright © 2026 WPVI-TV. All Rights Reserved.