The kind of man who incorporates Hellcat into his name must possess a deep commitment to Dodge’s powerful V8 cars. Interestingly, he acquired this moniker by stealing Hellcats and installing their engines into the vehicles of his customers. He, along with three other individuals, were arrested on multiple charges, including involvement in organized crime and vehicle theft in San Antonio, Texas.
The Bexar County Sheriff’s Office apprehended the group after a year-long investigation internally known as “Operation Hellcat Mike.” The department discovered that Hellcat Mike and several other mechanics were stealing V8-powered Dodges, extracting their engines and other components, and transferring them into inferior Mopar vehicles, which were then sold on Facebook Marketplace, often adorned with a large snarling Hellcat decal near the C-pillar.
Law enforcement had been monitoring Hellcat Mike’s San Antonio workshop when they stopped a Chrysler 300 leaving the premises and discovered that the vehicle’s VIN did not match the VIN in the computer system. Sheriff’s deputies noticed the discrepancy in the VIN and found that it matched that of a Dodge Charger Hellcat that had been reported stolen months earlier. On the same day, a Ram 1500 also left the shop with a license plate belonging to another Dodge Charger.
With a search warrant in hand, the sheriff’s deputies conducted a raid on the property. Their initial search uncovered seven stolen vehicles and various stolen parts, including PCMs taken from local dealerships, as well as a Charger in the process of being modified.
“Hellcat” Mike Wilson, aged 37, and three other men between the ages of 19 and 33, were taken into custody. Two additional suspects, both aged 18, are still at large. The Hellcat offenders faced various charges, including involvement in organized crime, unauthorized vehicle use, and vehicle theft. Hellcat Mike is currently being held on a $750,000 bond for his involvement in the illegal chop shop and other related incidents.
Hellcat and Hemi powered Dodge Chargers topped the list as the most frequently stolen vehicles between 2020 and 2022, with data from the Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI) indicating that Hellcats were approximately 60 times more likely to be stolen compared to the average vehicle during the same period. If you are a Hellcat enthusiast or owner in the San Antonio region, your vehicle’s security may have significantly improved with Hellcat Mike now in custody.
FAQ
Q: What charges were Hellcat Mike and his accomplices booked on?
A: Hellcat Mike and his associates were booked on charges including engaging in organized crime, unauthorized vehicle use, and vehicle theft.
Conclusion
Overall, the arrest of Hellcat Mike and his criminal ring is a significant win for law enforcement in combating vehicle theft. The illegal activities perpetrated by this group not only endangered the public but also undermined the trust in the automotive community. With the perpetrators apprehended, the streets of San Antonio are safer for all Dodge enthusiasts and owners.
