Ram's HEMI mechanical bull theft was a hoax, says sheriff
In a Tuesday, Aug. 12, news release from Ram, the company said the $34,000 covering for its "Bucking Hemi" thrill ride — a mechanical bull fashioned to look like a Ram HEMI engine — was stolen as they were breaking down the set of Roadkill Nights, an annual drag racing event held in downtown Pontiac, on Saturday, Aug. 9.
The mechanical bull has been part of a Ram marketing campaign, as the brand touts a return to NASCAR and the return of the HEMI V8 engines to its vehicles.
The Ram brand said it "is actively collaborating with authorities" and encouraged people to contact local law enforcement regarding the theft if they know anything. They even posted missing flyers on social media.
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Tim Kuniskis, the CEO of Ram, said in the news release, "This is bull----."
"Well, it may indeed have been BS," wrote the Oakland County Sheriff's Office in response, late Wednesday afternoon, Aug. 13.
Bouchard, whose deputies responded to the scene of Roadkill Nights after receiving a larceny report, said Ram's claim that the mechanical bull was stolen is false.
Bouchard said his detectives have concluded the "theft never occurred," alleging that the mechanical bull cover was in Ram's possession the entire time.
'The company never actually lost the bull,' Bouchard said in a news release. 'I find this to be very frustrating and a tremendous waste of valuable investigative time."
While the hunt for the stolen bull has concluded, the Sheriff's Office is now considering charges.
"Now, we're pivoting to see if a crime was committed by the filing of a false police report,' Bouchard said.
A representative at Ram did not immediately respond to a Free Press phone call seeking comment.
Liam Rappleye covers Stellantis and the UAW. Contact him: LRappleye@freepress.com.
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