Texas Highway Patrol Converts Seized 1,080 HP Dodge Challenger Hellcat into a Patrol Car

The Texas Highway Patrol recently added a new member to its patrol fleet, and it’s a meanie. What was once used to avoid authorities, a seized 2020 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye with 1,080 horsepower under the hood is now being used to chase down criminals.

The Challenger was first acquired by the Texas Department of Public Safety when it and another car were spotted speeding westbound on I-10. In an effort to tackle street racing, the DPS began pursuit.

After the chase became unsafe for squad members when the driver began pushing the Hellcat to 160 mph, authorities resorted to pursuing the car from the air as it ripped through populated areas. DPS was finally able to move in on the driver once the car ran out of gas.

After the driver attempted to flee on foot, they were arrested for felony evading, as well as unlawfully carrying a .40-caliber Glock 22.

Afterward, Texas state police were able to seize the Hellcat via civil forfeiture laws.

As stock, the Dodge Challenger Hellcat Redeye delivers 797 horsepower. However, the newly-seized muscle car is reported to push 1,080 horsepower due to some aftermarket tuning. While this is certainly more than enough power for a squad car, it’s also enough for criminals to think twice about breaking the law.