On this Halloween evening, we are reporting on a “nightmare with a happy ending.” According to ProCharger, the 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT built by Quintin Brothers Auto and Performance, which had just arrived in Las Vegas, NV to be in ProCharger’s SEMA display, was stolen. The 700+ horsepower supercharged, wide-body Challenger went on a 12-hour joy ride with four police cars in hot pursuit. Ten more cars joined the pursuit until the suspect crashed the Challenger into a police car, ending the chase.

Damage to the car is extensive, but thankfully no one was injured. In a bizarre tale that ended much like the Challenger chase scene in Vanishing Point, the exterior was destroyed, the stereo was stolen and a baby seat was added to the back seat. In the hours that followed the initial news, an outpouring of good will came from social media – offering to replace the car for the booth. But the Quintin Brothers and ProCharger, and even the Las Vegas Police Department, agreed the cars deserved to be in the booth. You can expect to see the Challenger in ProCharger’s booth next week, untouched as it left the crime scene. Stay tuned to Street Muscle’s Facebook page for photos of the car from the 2019 SEMA Show.

“Let’s be honest, after the countless hours the builders poured into this Challenger for SEMA… Police chase or not, the car deserves to be there,” said ProCharger’s Erik Radzins.

In ProCharger’s statement, the Quintin Brothers were quoted: “We are so thankful for the fast work of the Vegas PD and social media, and can’t wait to get the car home and rebuild it for more supercharged smoky burnouts.”

(Top Left)  After the chase ended, the Challenger was dusted for prints.
(Top Right)  This fender was found on Fremont Street. The bumper was still being recovered at the time of publication.
(Bottom) The police department's letter of condolences.