It was a Wednesday in late October when the long-awaited news arrived. The 1986 Monte Carlo SS, which had been missing for nearly a month, was finally found behind a locked gate at Brothers’ Custom Garage in Mooresville. Kevin Earle, who had spent countless hours and his hard-earned savings building the car, was overjoyed to have it back in his possession.
Earle first noticed the car’s absence when he arrived at work on Monday, October 28. The realization that his prized possession was gone hit him hard, and it took him only a few minutes to come to terms with the fact. “It took me all about five minutes to realize my car is gone,” he said more than a week later, still in disbelief.
Surveillance video on the lot played a crucial role in the recovery of the car. It captured the face of one of the suspects who had stolen the vehicle. Once the camera was spotted, the suspect took drastic measures and tore it down and covered it in dirt. However, the camera also picked up the sound of voices, providing valuable evidence for the investigation.
Earle had spent three years building this car, pouring his heart and soul into every detail. The loss of the car was a devastating blow, and he expressed his frustration in the face of the theft. “I spent three years trying to build this car and now I’ve got nothing to show for it because two guys decided to take something that wasn’t theirs,” he said earlier this month.
When the car was finally returned, Earle was relieved to find that some parts were missing or damaged. But the fact that he had his car back was enough to make him happy. “I’m just glad to have it back,” he said, his voice filled with emotion.
The recovery of the stolen race car is a testament to the importance of community and the work of law enforcement. It is a story that will inspire others and serve as a reminder of the value of hard work and perseverance.