Coveted car stolen from Boardman couple, police chief says it's 'nationwide issue'
BOARDMAN A couple in Boardman had their rare 2016 Dodge Challenger SRT stolen while they were inside the Southern Park Mall at the beginning of September 2025.
Kristie Murphy outlined the incident in a news release sent to 21 News.
Kristie and Lee Murphy were at the Southern Park Mall with the vehicle parked in the mall parking lot. The release outlines that the couple had been inside the mall from 6:58 p.m. to 7:41 p.m., when they reported the theft.
According to Kristie, the doors were locked and the alarm was set when the theft occurred.
Kristie says in the release that a witness who was leaving Planet Fitness saw a man standing outside the Challenger, allegedly using a coat hanger to try to break into the vehicle.
The witness called the Boardman Police Department to report what was going on.
Although responders did see the vehicle traveling along York Avenue between Southern Boulevard and California Avenue, the driver was not apprehended, according to Kristie.
"It has been two weeks, but we are not giving up," said Kristie.
Kristie continued," We blasted this all over social media and community groups in hopes someone recognizes this distinct car, but instead, we received countless messages from people who have experienced the same thing."
Boardman Township Police Chief Todd Werth told 21 News that there is no increase in muscle car thefts in Boardman Township.
However, Werth indicates that muscle cars, such as a Dodge Challenger SRT, are very sought-after vehicles and that incidents like this are more of a nationwide issue.
Werth shared some tips for drivers of high-end or sought-after vehicles, encouraging owners to lock up the vehicle and keep it in a safe and secure spot at all times.
"We hope that by sharing our story, others will take extra precautions and help authorities catch those responsible," said Kristie.
