Ram's Bull Theft Tale Concludes in Humiliation Following Error That Infuriated the Sheriff | Carscoops

      The Oakland County sheriff stated that Ram had possession of the Bucking Hemi all along and is contemplating charges for filing a false police report.

      Ram is facing trouble after alleging that its Bucking Hemi mechanical bull ride was stolen.

      The promotional ride was reported missing following an event called Roadkill Nights in Pontiac. Authorities are now investigating Ram for potentially fabricating the entire incident as a publicity stunt.

      Update: The saga surrounding the Bucking HEMI seems to have reached a conclusion, as Ram has confirmed that the mechanical bull was never actually stolen. It appears that it was inadvertently taken by a third party after an event in Pontiac, Michigan, on August 9.

      In a statement, the automaker said, “After 67 hours of uncertainty and a 1,200-mile (1,931 km) round trip to and from North Carolina, Bucking HEMI has returned. It was mistakenly taken by one of the show's contractors, who recognized the mistake after media reports prompted them to clarify.”

      The company also expressed gratitude to the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance and extended their "heartfelt thanks to everyone who supported us in bringing Ram’s Bucking HEMI back home."

      The original story continues below.

      Ram has consistently held a rebellious image in the truck industry, and this week, that reputation was solidified when law enforcement declared it was contemplating charges over what seems to be a failed publicity stunt.

      Additionally: This Guy’s Rolls-Royce Was Stolen In Transit, Now He Claims It Belongs to a Mexican Star.

      Earlier this week, Ram’s CEO Tim Kuniskis called on the public to assist in recovering the brand’s Bucking Hemi mechanical bull ride, which they said had been stolen from a Roadkill Nights event in Pontiac, southeast Michigan, on Saturday.

      A Mechanical Bull, a Missing Mascot

      The ride-on bull adorned with a large silver Ram’s head and V8 engine graphics was designed to generate excitement for the return of the Hemi V8 to Ram’s lineup. On Tuesday, Stellantis announced it was collaborating with law enforcement for its recovery and issued a digital flyer with “stolen” prominently displayed.

      “This is bull****,” stated the Ram CEO in an official comment after the alleged theft. “Our Bucking Hemi was taken on Saturday evening. The search is officially on, and we won’t stop seeking until we get him back.”

      From Reported Theft to Potential Hoax?

      However, authorities are now contending that the real misinformation is Ram’s narrative. Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard indicated that the department is no longer searching for the bull but is investigating whether to charge Ram for squandering police resources.

      “The company never actually lost the bull,” stated Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard. “I find this incredibly frustrating and a significant waste of valuable investigative time. Now, we are shifting our focus to determine if a crime was committed by filing a false police report.”

      We have contacted Stellantis to inquire whether this incident was a misguided publicity stunt or if it was a genuine mistake where Ram's team truly believed the bull was stolen. We will update the story with Ram's response once we receive it.

      If it turns out to be a major hoax, the Oakland Sheriff isn’t the only resident of Michigan who will be left displeased by the situation. The formerly troubled city of Pontiac is experiencing an upswing, recently celebrating a substantial 40 percent decline in violent crime, and a fake theft narrative does not benefit its reputation.

      Ram’s Bucking Hemi made its debut at Michigan International Speedway in June to commemorate the automaker’s return to NASCAR.