PA Agent Injured, Truck Damaged By RO During Audi Recovery
A Pennsylvania car dealer is facing felony and misdemeanor charges after authorities allege he drove away in a vehicle that was actively being repossessed while a recovery agent was beneath the vehicle and recovery equipment was still attached.
According to charging documents filed by Hatfield Township Police, Ryan C. Kelly, 39, owner of Kelly Motorcars in Hatfield Township, has been charged with felony criminal mischief and misdemeanor recklessly endangering another person stemming from a July 16, 2026, repossession incident.
Police responded to Kelly Motorcars shortly after 12:25 p.m. following reports of a theft in progress. Investigators learned that agents with Top Notch Recovery had arrived to repossess a black 2021 Audi A8. After confirming the vehicle’s VIN matched the repossession order, the recovery team began the loading process.
Court documents state that one recovery agent was underneath the Audi connecting a winch cable and bridle while a second agent remained near the flatbed tow truck operating the equipment.
Authorities allege Kelly exited the dealership through a rear door, approached the vehicle, and reportedly told the recovery agents, “Sorry I have to do this,” before getting into the Audi and driving away. Police claim the vehicle left while the recovery agent was still beneath the rear of the car and with the winch cable and bridle still connected.
Investigators said the recovery agent attempted to lock the winch cable to the tow truck to stop the vehicle from leaving but was unsuccessful. The Audi was last seen turning onto Campus Drive before disappearing from view. Officers also documented a fresh cut and blood on one recovery agent’s finger following the incident.
Surveillance video reportedly captured the Audi leaving the dealership with a severed winch cable trailing behind it while the attached bridle struck the pavement as the vehicle traveled away.
Police said one of the recovery agents was able to identify Kelly as the dealership owner because he had previously located Kelly’s social media profile during pre-repossession skip tracing. According to the affidavit, the agent explained that reviewing publicly available social media information to identify where a debtor may live or work is a routine investigative practice used to help locate collateral.
Later that evening, Kelly contacted police and stated he believed someone was attempting to steal the Audi, prompting him to drive away, according to the criminal complaint.
Top Notch Recovery later submitted a repair estimate totaling $5,237.58 for damage allegedly caused during the incident. Police said the amount of the damage elevated the criminal mischief charge to a third-degree felony.
Court records indicate Kelly was released after posting $577 cash bail. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Aug. 12 before Magisterial District Judge Ed Levine. Kelly is represented by Montgomeryville attorney and former Magisterial District Judge David Keightly.
As always, the filing of criminal charges represents allegations, and Kelly is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
