Two police departments in Mississippi have initiated an investigation into the theft of Erin and Ben Napier’s vintage Chevy Blazer, which was stolen during an overnight burglary. According to several reports, the incident occurred in the early hours of February 8, 2024, when the vehicle was taken from the HGTV couple’s carport at their primary residence in Laurel.
Following the theft, Ben Napier shared details of the incident and offered a reward in a private Facebook post, as reported by Pine Belt News. Although the vehicle has been recovered, authorities confirm that the individuals responsible for the theft are still at large.
This incident marks the latest in a series of unsettling occurrences that the Napiers have been forced to report to law enforcement in recent times.
Security Camera Footage Shows Burglary in Process at Napiers’ Home
Ben’s truck was stolen from the couple’s long-standing residence located in the historic district of Laurel, where they film their popular show “Home Town.” In 2022, Erin and Ben Napier expanded their properties by acquiring a second residence dubbed their “country house,” nestled on a sprawling wooded expanse on the outskirts of town.
Although Ben’s original Facebook post detailing the theft remains private, various local community members, including family friend W. Dale Keyes, have shared photos from it. Among these images are two security camera snapshots capturing one or possibly two suspects in the act of stealing the truck from a carport at the Napiers’ primary home in Laurel. The timestamps on these photos indicate that the incident occurred at 1:38 a.m. on February 8, with Keyes mentioning the involvement of two individuals.
Given that the Napiers have been quarantining at their country home while recovering from Covid, it’s improbable that they were present at the property during the burglary.
Laurel police chief Tommy Cox confirmed to WDAM that no arrests had been made in connection with the theft. He also disclosed that his department had collaborated with Hattiesburg police, situated approximately 30 miles south, in an ongoing investigation into the incident. The specific location where the distinctive gold-and-cream-colored truck was recovered remains undisclosed.
Ben Napier’s passion for vintage trucks is evident, boasting a collection that includes numerous old Chevys, such as the baby blue 1962 Chevrolet C-10 often featured in episodes of “Home Town,” as reported by Country Living. In October 2023, Ben teased fans with an Instagram post showcasing a navy-and-tan Chevy R20 pickup truck, hinting at its role as a “new character” set to debut in the upcoming eighth season of the show.
Moreover, the Napiers expanded their collection beyond trucks, as evidenced by their acquisition of one of the vintage Jeep Wagoneers utilized by the Pearson family in the popular NBC series “This Is Us” following the show’s season finale in August 2022. Their close friend Chris Sullivan, known for his portrayal of Toby on the series, owns the other Wagoneer.
The Napiers Have Had to Call Police Over Other Incidents in Recent Months
The theft of Ben’s truck represents just the latest in a series of unsettling incidents that have compelled the Napiers to involve law enforcement over the past year.
In January, Erin took to Instagram to disclose yet another theft incident, this time occurring during the filming of an episode of “Home Town.” While documenting the installation of a stainless steel hot tub on a back deck, Erin revealed that the entire hot tub was stolen en route to the home, causing significant delays in production.
Adding to the distress, the Napiers found themselves contacting the police once more in October 2023. Security cameras at their country home captured unsettling images of a man trespassing on their property on two separate occasions, carrying an AR-15 style rifle, as reported by the Laurel Leader. Erin’s mother, Karen Rasberry, shared one of the images on her Facebook page, expressing her fear and seeking assistance in identifying the individual. The man was observed by trail cameras on nights when the Napiers were absent from the property.
Karen Rasberry’s post conveyed her profound anxiety, questioning whether the armed individual posed a threat to their family or was merely hunting wildlife. Subsequent investigation by the authorities revealed that the individual was a local resident who believed he had heard coyotes or panthers in the vicinity. While he was not charged with a crime, he was cautioned against trespassing on the Napiers’ property in the future.
This incident struck a particularly nerve-wracking chord for the family, considering their past experiences. The Laurel Leader noted that in 2021, the Napiers had to obtain a restraining order against a California man who had been stalking their family, heightening their sense of vulnerability and concern for their safety.