LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. - A Lawrenceville man is turning to social media to get the word out about his stolen 1976 Camero. Joey Jones says it's more than just a car, it's a family heirloom.
The second generation Chevy Camero has been a labor of love for Jones and his father. The two spent decades rebuilding the ride.
"When we got closer to getting it running, and it was actually running and driving, I had my learner's permit. I'd just spend time just sitting in it at night," Jones said.
That's why the 25-year-old was heartsick when he woke up Thursday at a friend's home in Braselton and saw that the vintage vehicle was gone.
"It took me a minute for it to sink in: 'OK, the car's actually gone,'" said Jones.
Jones put a lot of time and money into the restoration.
"I'd say it's between 20 and 25 thousand [dollars]," he said.
Police have put out a lookout for the blue bicentennial-year machine while Jones has spread the word on his Facebook account.
"I decided to use social media to my advantage, you know, the car's got a lot of popularity online," Jones said.
Jones says he's hopeful his car remains intact. Someone spotted it at a gas station in Mableton and recognized it as stolen after seeing social media posts.
"Especially with the recent tip off, I'm really hoping to find a complete car," Jones said. "With the sentimental value that's in the vehicle, I would be happy with a shell as long it's not burned or chopped up. I've built it one time, I can build it again."
Anyone who sees the vehicle is asked to call police.