HARRIS COUNTY, Texas — A Houston-area man said he believes he is one of the many victims of an international car theft ring that was busted earlier this week.
He doesn't yet feel comfortable revealing his identity but said he thinks the group stole his car and then tried to extort him. After seeing the KHOU 11 News report on Tuesday, he reached out to tell his story.
He said he knew immediately those who were arrested were the ones who took his car and then tried to sell it back to him.
He's hoping law enforcement authorities can find his dream car and bring it back to him.
In March, his Camaro was taken from his driveway in a matter of seconds. His surveillance cameras captured the thieves at work.
"The gentleman walked up, opened the door and left. It was really, really quick," he said.
He said he thinks they used a device that can read his keys from inside his house. He reported the theft to the Harris County Precinct 4 Constable's Office.
After his car was stolen, the man said, the thieves contacted him on social media and asked for $5,000 to get his car back.
He said they backed out when he agreed to meet them and the thieves were the ones who called the police and claimed they were scared they were going to get hurt.
"He knew I was going to come with extra people," he said.
He decided to let investigators handle the case, and after months, he said he thinks they finally got those responsible.
"I was excited," he said.
Now, he hopes he can one day be reunited with his dream car.
"It just hurts every once in a while. Something you worked hard for got stripped," he said.
The raid
Federal and local authorities raided several homes Tuesday morning in the Tomball area. KHOU 11 News learned the authorities were targeting an alleged international car theft ring.
According to authorities, those who were taken into custody were stealing high-end cars all over the Houston area, removing the VINs, and then selling them on the black market domestically and overseas.
Investigators said six cars were recovered on Tuesday, four of which will be returned to their owners. The other two were seized by the feds. The victim in this story said his Camaro wasn't one of the vehicles that was recovered. Stolen guns were also found, officials said.