‘It is being held for ransom’: Man receives texts about stolen car
By TJ Dysart
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MILWAUKEE (WISN) — A Milwaukee man said he received strange text messages about his stolen car, including photos of the vehicle and a request for money, but the sender has not disclosed its location.
D.J. Todd said his 2025 Honda CR-V was stolen last Saturday from 21st and Wells streets.
“This is the car I take my kids to school in. I have groceries that I need to pick up with this car,” Todd said.
Todd reported the theft to police, but on Friday morning, he woke up to a text message from an unfamiliar number.
“Good morning, I think I found something that belongs to you,” the message read.
The text included a photo of Todd’s stolen car and a message stating, “Been sitting here for almost a week now.”
Todd said the sender also shared a picture of a receipt from his car that had his phone number on it.
The mystery texter then wrote, “Wouldn’t mind a small finder’s fee.”
When asked if he felt his car was being held for ransom, Todd said, “Without a doubt.”
The person behind the texts has refused to disclose the car’s location.
Todd said he has not asked directly where the car is, explaining, “Safety is important to me, and I think that would be a riskier move that I do not need to do.”
On Friday night, 12 News called the number attached to the texts and asked where the car was located. The person on the other end hung up after we asked for the car’s location.
Todd said he still does not know where his car is.
12 News also reached out to police, sharing the text message thread and photos, but did not receive a response Friday night.
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