If you're going to wrecklessly disregard traffic laws in the state of Illinois, make sure to do it in a Dodge Stratus.
The driver of a black 2000 Dodge Viper learned this lesson the hard way when he was clocked doing 127 MPH in a 35 zone. The clueless motorist was caught red-handed, but he decided that his 450 HP beast was quick enough to evade the long arm of the law. The driver then hid in a parking lot where he was later captured. The local law enforcement knows a compromising situation when they see one, so the fuzz decided to keep the pricey snake for their own as a promotional vehicle for D.A.R.E.
This is no doubt an extremely steep price to pay for a moving violation, but since the driver of the Viper disregarded the lives of others during the chase, the consequences could've been far worse.
[Source: Motor Authority]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
Mayur @ Jun 23rd 2007 9:47AM
Its true. Ive seen a few cars that have been confiscated by the cops in Illinois. Sucks to be him lol.
Rene Curry @ Jun 23rd 2007 10:27AM
They should have just taken his license for a period of time or given him jail time. By taking personal property it is an power abuse of the system.
paul34 @ Jun 23rd 2007 12:30PM
Not so much so. Think about what he did. Such an egregious violation of the speed limit, combined with a pursuit from the police.
He's guilty of attempted murder - and last I checked, these types of convicts often get their belongings confiscated.
Ken @ Jun 23rd 2007 5:39PM
Wait, who did he attempt to murder? I must have missed that part of the article.
Otherwise, that's quite a leap to make there.
Was he reckless? Yes. Is he an imbecilic douchebag that shouldn't be allowed to drive that car (or maybe any other)? Yes.
Was this seen by the cops as an opportunity to snag a Viper under the pretext of upholding the law? Absolutley.
The guy should have been fined heavily or done time, but I am NOT in favor of confiscating personal property. It is an abuse of power.
I'm sure you've heard how on I-10 in Louisiana, the cops have the right to take personal property (cars) if they believe them to be being used in drug related activities. It should come as no surprise then that a number of cops have been caught planting drugs simply to steal cars.
I could see the same happening in Illinois regarding speeding. Why wouldn't it?
nist @ Jun 24th 2007 10:42AM
"Vehicles involved in the commission of a felony can be seized, said Community Service Officer Mark Siegel. The department has a lot full of seized vehicles, most of which aren't worth much and are sold at auction, he said."
http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/heraldnews/news/432138,4_1_JO18_DARE_S1.article
It's called research.
The police had the legal right to seize the car. End of story.
david @ Jun 23rd 2007 10:28AM
This guys lawyer, (former Will county state's attorney) was intervied on a Chicago radio station and made no mention of "hiding in a parking lot" but in fact stopped his car when he realized Plainfield Police were in pursuit. In fact, no one from the Plainfeild PD made the claim he was "hiding".
Funny how our constitution forbids Illegal search and siesure but our trusted officials bend the law to suit their whims. Republican's perhaps?
And did I mention the Plainfield taxpayers had to foot the bill for the remaining 30K owed on the note? Not to mention the new paint job and thousand dollar tune up.
I wonder what the outcome would be if he were driving a Corolla. Oops, bad example. Corolla's can't do half that speed without shaking the driver to death.
Frank @ Jun 23rd 2007 4:30PM
"Funny how our constitution forbids Illegal search and siesure but our trusted officials bend the law to suit their whims. Republican's perhaps?"
You have no proof of what political affiliation they are. Keep to facts and keep your agenda to yourself.
Ca$h @ Jun 23rd 2007 11:04AM
How can they just take his car like that? So if I'm doing 85 in a 65, can they just 'steal' my car, if they feel like it? What a load of fucking shit.
tunercar @ Jun 23rd 2007 11:14AM
Your completly right thats BS that they did that. i live in chicago and if they did that i'd sue them but its the government, I wouldn't even have a chance, right!
John @ Jun 23rd 2007 11:51AM
Shut up you two illegal street racing freaks.
I hope both of your cars get confiscated and crushed.
TURBO.RIMZZ.LMAO @ Jun 23rd 2007 12:12PM
Hey John, it's unconstitutional buddy. you = suck
Are you in canada? Who the hell claimed to be street racers. Oh snap, I speed too, am I a street racer because I go 5-10mph over on the highways? shut up you
John @ Jun 23rd 2007 1:40PM
Oh, a third street racer shows up.
You kids play too much video games.
Stop speeding and damaging other people's property.
Do the world a service by driving head on into each other at 92 mph over the speed limit.
Thank you for your cooperation.
Barney @ Jun 23rd 2007 3:05PM
So if I'm doing 85 in a 65, can they just 'steal' my car, if they feel like it?
Are you fleeing from the police? Who's life are you putting at risk? Don't take your car, but toss you in jail and bury your car for safe keeping.
Barney @ Jun 23rd 2007 3:09PM
"it's unconstitutional buddy."
Wow! In the USA it's now a constitutional right to drive and to drive illegally. Perhaps the same applies to people who fly aircraft.
Todd @ Jun 23rd 2007 11:16AM
I don't really have a problem with this. 92mph over in a 35 is extremely dangerous. I'm not really sure how you don't kill somebody doing that.
Lathan @ Jun 23rd 2007 11:42AM
Actually he still has to pay for the car. Banks don't let you out of paying if you buy a car and give it to someone else. The payments don't magically transfer. Insurance isn't going to cover it as a loss. His acts caused him to loose the car. His fault, his bill. Next time keep in on the track and off the streets.
geo.stewart @ Jun 23rd 2007 2:27PM
under what law and predefined judgement did this fall under? When I look in the law books or hear decisions handed down, I hear fines, community service, jail.
What was he convicted of that impounding the vehicle is allowed?
SHOTT3R @ Jun 23rd 2007 11:42AM
Completely unconstitutional taking. But is it worth the legal fees to get the car back?
Also, "wreckless" [not a word] should be reckless. Freudian slip perhaps?
Ian @ Jun 23rd 2007 12:22PM
Police in many States confiscate THOUSANDS of cars each year.
MikeW @ Jun 23rd 2007 12:58PM
via illegal laws