BELTSVILLE, Maryland — Mimi Arnett worked hard to make her son’s dream come true.
After he graduated from the University of Maryland, she and his father got him exactly what he asked for — a 2023 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 worth nearly $80,000.
It was gone within months.
Stolen While Her Son Slept
At 3 a.m. on Memorial Day, Arnett heard an engine turn over and a car pull away from behind their home in the Brickyard neighborhood in Beltsville.
She assumed it was her son heading out.
It was not.
“My son was in his room, knocked out asleep,” she said. “And I said, oh my God, my son’s car has been stolen.”
The only thing left behind was shattered glass where the Camaro had been parked.
A Gift Years in the Making
Arnett, a traveling nurse, says she poured everything into the gift.
“He said mommy, my blessing from you would be a Camaro ZL1,” she recalled. “I said, you know what, I’m gonna make it happen since you’re such a good kid — and me and his dad did just that.”
Now, that gift is gone.
“Angry, because I work so hard,” she said. “For someone to just come and take something that belongs to you that you work so hard for — it’s like, I dare you.”
Surveillance Video Captured the Getaway
A neighbor shared surveillance footage that Arnett says shows a light-colored car entering the neighborhood, followed shortly by her son’s Camaro driving away.
The car has not been seen since.
This Model Is a Known Theft Target
A quick search reveals that the Camaro ZL1 has one of the highest vehicle theft rates in its class, partly due to a key fob vulnerability that General Motors later addressed through a software update.
It remains unclear how thieves were able to start Arnett’s car.
“They were able to get in and take right off with it,” she said.
Neighbors Say It Is a Pattern
Residents say this is not an isolated incident.
Multiple car thefts and break-ins have been reported in the Brickyard neighborhood over the past several months. One neighbor said his sister’s car was also stolen, and that vehicles like the Infiniti and Lexus appear to be frequent targets.
“It’s professionals,” the neighbor said. “It doesn’t really take them that long to get into the car, get over the security system, and just drive off.”
Prince George’s County Police are investigating. The Camaro has not yet been recovered.
If you have seen the vehicle or have information about the theft, contact local authorities.
Have you or someone you know had a car stolen in the Beltsville area? Share what you know in the comments — your tip could make a difference.
