A stolen Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack has been recovered and two suspects arrested following a multi-agency investigation that began earlier this month, according to the Minden Police Department.
Police said the vehicle, described as a black Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack, was reported stolen on April 6 from a local dealership in Minden. The department’s Criminal Investigations Division immediately took over the case and used its newly implemented License Plate Reader system to identify leads on the vehicle’s location, as well as a second vehicle believed to be involved.
Authorities said the investigation led to Monroe, where the vehicle was located through coordination with the Ruston Police Department, Monroe Police Department, Richwood Police Department, and the Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office.
Two suspects, identified as Kimberly Weeks and Isaiah Rusk, were taken into custody by the Monroe Police Department and charged with possession of a stolen vehicle. Minden police later obtained warrants charging Weeks with conspiracy to theft of a motor vehicle. Rusk was charged with conspiracy to theft of a motor vehicle and theft of a motor vehicle.
Minden Police Chief Jared McIver said officers remained committed throughout the investigation.
“I’m proud of our officers for staying consistent with this case,” McIver said. “Minden officers traveled to and from the Monroe area several days trying to locate suspects and recover the stolen vehicle. I appreciate the agencies that assisted us throughout the investigation and I hope this sends out a message to criminals that crime in Minden won’t be tolerated.”
According to Lauren Carroway of Carroway Pre-owned, surveillance footage showed hooded individuals dressed in black entering the lot and accessing the vehicle. She said she believes they used a reprogramming device and were dropped off by a second vehicle that appeared to act as a lookout.
“Officer Benjamin was the first one on the scene, and he went above and beyond. When he was off duty he was out looking for the vehicle,” Carroway said. “I was really impressed with them [the Minden Police Department].”
The vehicle was recovered with only minor cosmetic damage, which Carroway said will be repaired.
“It was a good day yesterday. We were really stressed out about the loss of that vehicle,” she said. “We are very, very grateful.”
Police said the case reflects the department’s continued efforts to recover stolen property and protect the community.