A homeowner in Santa Clarita, California, is mourning the loss of a prized 2026 Corvette C8 ZR1, valued at $300,000, which was stolen from his driveway in the early morning hours. The theft occurred around 3:50 a.m. on a Thursday, as captured by a neighbor's security camera.
The owner, identified as 57-year-old lawyer Mario Jaramillo, only discovered the vehicle was missing later that morning, as he had temporarily disabled its security service. The car, described as having an orange wrap and blue-rimmed wheels, was a custom build with additions like ambient lighting and an upgraded audio system, which Jaramillo stated made it a "one of one."
A stolen vehicle report was filed with the Santa Clarita Sheriff’s Station later that morning. Authorities confirmed that the car's GPS tracking system was disconnected shortly after the theft. According to Jaramillo's wife, Laurel, the thieves used a tow truck designed for repossession and removed the vehicle from the driveway in less than a minute.
Jaramillo expressed his distress, noting that the Corvette was more than just a car; it was a source of community and motivation for younger car enthusiasts. He expressed concern for neighborhood safety, stating, "It feels like we’re sitting ducks. For some reason they targeted me." The theft remains under investigation, though Jaramillo believes the car has likely been shipped out of the country and may not be recovered.