An East Bay family nearly had their Christmas stolen by the Grinch. When a gang of robbers broke into a Benicia shop, they took 51 years’ worth of memories and a 1973 Chevrolet Corvette that Michael Dodge still had with his late father.
While some individuals give their vehicles names, the Dodge family holds a particular place in their hearts for the Corvette.
Gwynneth Dodge remarked, “She’s like a member of the family,” “I always joke with Michael, we can be homeless and we would still have that car.”
Without his wife’s consent, Michael Dodge’s father purchased a brand-new vehicle. From Michael’s senior prom to waiting in the school pick-up line, it holds decades’ worth of memories. He rushed to find his most valuable asset first after receiving a call from the police informing him that his Benicia shop had been broken into on Sunday.
“When I came through the door there and looked out in the warehouse and it was empty, I think I just screamed, ‘No!'” stated Michael Dodge. “Just absolute horror.”
His wife and daughter planned a social media campaign to bring their “Old Lady Blue” home after the initial shock. After friends shared and reposted the posts, Michael eventually received the call that directed him to his car on Tuesday morning.
“He’s just, ‘Hey Michael,’ I’m like, yeah,” Dodge remarked. “We have your car,” he says. “That’s what everyone is saying,” I said.
Numerous people called Michael and offered to return his car in exchange for payment; some even demanded over a million dollars. In order to confirm that the caller actually owned Old Lady Blue, he asked two questions, which the caller answered: to confirm the mileage and to describe the engine’s valve covers.
Dodge remarked, “I thought, it’s over,” “This nightmare is over.”
It turned out that the caller was from the Colfax region. After locating the vehicle, CHP officers towed it to a secure area.
“We drove up to Colfax area and it was at a tow yard,” Dodge stated. She is simply sitting in the woods when we arrive at the gate. It was a little depressing.
According to Michael, the scratches on the Corvette are minor and can be remedied. He’s uncertain if anyone will be arrested. The fact that Old Lady Blue is home is what matters most to him.
Gwynneth Dodge remarked, “It is like a Christmas miracle,” “We could not ask for a better Christmas present than this. There’s nothing else we need. We’re ready.
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Eliot Pierce is a dedicated writer for ChiefsFocus.com, covering local crime and finance news. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, Eliot aims to provide his readers with clear and insightful analysis, helping them navigate the complexities of their financial lives while staying informed about important local events. His commitment to delivering accurate and engaging content makes him a valuable resource for the community.