Classic cars deserve to be protected, not only from the elements, but from individuals who have sticky fingers. Police in Bridgetown, New Jersey found this out the hard way last week as they tried to track down a 1972 Chevelle SS that thieves had stolen from a local driveway. According to NJ.com, the car was eventually recovered in a damaged state, but one individual is already in custody for the crime and police are searching for a second suspect.

The ’72 Chevelle SS, valued at $30,000, was stolen on Thursday March 20th from a driveway on Victory Road in Bridgetown. Police were called to the scene and told that the individuals had to have moved another vehicle from behind the Chevy to gain access to it before they drove it away.

Later on Thursday, police received reports of where the classic Chevy might be and tracked it down to the suspected location.

When police found the car, the engine had been torn from its engine bay, causing damage to the vehicle. The engine was found later on near the location.

“This theft is very different from many of the vehicle thefts that we have in the city,” Lt. James Battavio Criminal Investigation Division Commander posted on the Bridgetown Police Department’s Facebook page. “There clearly was a different motive behind this one. We were concerned that if this vehicle was not found immediately, we would have never found it whole again. The motivation was definitely to piece it out for profit. This is a unique vehicle and one that you would not be joy riding in because of its uniqueness. I not only credit the public with their help, but the detectives involved that were able to use their resources to find it, and find it quickly.”

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Suspects in the Chevelle theft are Tristan Kelley (left) and Jobet Montalvo. Images Bridgetown Police Department

Using forensic evidence found in the vehicle, police were able to identify two suspects in the theft- Millville, NJ resident 28-year-old Tristan Kelley and 28-year-old Jobet Montalvo.

Kelley was arrested and charged with theft, burglary, conspiracy and criminal mischief. He is currently being held at the Cumberland County Jail on a $75,000 bond. Montalvo has not been arrested but faces similar charges, in addition to alluding, which was tacked on after Montalvo alluded police when they tried to arrest him on March 22nd.

If you have any information regarding this crime or the whereabouts of Montalvo, you’re asked to contact the Bridgetown Police Department at (856) 451-0033.