Overview

• Mayor Craig Greenberg pushed the button to destroy the 2021 Dodge Durango Hellcat during a staged event at the city impound lot as a deterrent to illegal street racing and takeovers.
• The vehicle was seized at the 2024 Street Rod Nationals; investigators said its engine, frame and body came from different stolen cars, and the then-owner was not prosecuted because he was believed to be unaware.
• LMPD Chief Paul Humphrey said the department has seized 62 cars in 2023, 70 in 2024 and 52 so far in 2025, and more vehicles that meet legal criteria will be destroyed.
• Officials said auctioning or converting the SUV for police use was ruled out due to liability and cost concerns, noting that four seized cars have been auctioned and none added to the fleet.
• The destruction was widely filmed and drew criticism as a publicity stunt, which police countered as necessary public messaging in their ongoing enforcement campaign.