Man arrested in connection with auto theft ring targeting Dodge Chargers and Challengers

The Advocate, By Olivia Tees, May 19, 2026

A man was arrested for his alleged involvement in an auto theft ring operating between Baton Rouge and New Orleans after police executed a search warrant of his home.

Auto theft detectives with the Baton Rouge Police Department started an investigation in April that led to the arrest of Calvin James, 19. The ring he allegedly worked for exclusively stole several Dodge Chargers and Challengers.

Police executed a search warrant at his home in the 3400 block of Mohican Street on Monday where they found keys for several vehicles and an Autel device, a diagnostic machine commonly used in vehicle thefts. They also found several firearms, marijuana and a digital scale, police said.

James was arrested on Tuesday and booked into the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison for possession of a machine gun, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and illegal possession of a stolen firearm.

James is a fugitive from the Gonzales Police and Iberville Parish for theft of a motor vehicle, police said. He also has an arrest history of multiple vehicle thefts, simple burglary and criminal trespassing.

BRPD spokesperson Lt. L’Jean McKneely said the department has been investigating auto theft rings in the Baton Rouge area for several years.

Police expect more arrests to come in the case.

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