Hyundai Dealer Reported Teen's Elantra Stolen, City Pays $250,000

Key Takeaways

• A Hyundai dealership in Anaheim, California, reported a teen’s Elantra stolen, leading to her arrest.
• The city has agreed to pay $250,000 to settle a lawsuit, despite denying any wrongdoing.
• The dealership had allegedly reported over a dozen vehicles stolen under similar circumstances since 2021.
• The teen was charged with felony receiving stolen property and unlawfully taking a vehicle, but all charges were later dropped.
• The lawsuit alleged that Anaheim police acted as repossession agents for the dealership.

What Happened at the Dealership?

The incident began when Deja Bush, an 18-year-old, purchased a Hyundai Elantra from Russell Westbrook Hyundai in Anaheim, California. However, the dealership failed to secure a lender to finance her payments before inking the sale.

When the dealership couldn’t find a lender, they allegedly waited 20 days before informing Bush, which was past the 10-day window to unwind the deal. Bush refused to return the car, leading the dealership to involve the Anaheim police.

Police Involvement and Arrest

Bodycam footage shows an officer expressing some trepidation about arresting Bush over a contractual dispute. Despite this, officers arrested her at her workplace, charging her with felony receiving stolen property and unlawfully taking a vehicle.

Prosecutors later dropped all charges in January 2025. Bush then filed a federal civil rights lawsuit, alleging that Anaheim police violated her constitutional rights by acting as repossession agents for the dealership.

The Lawsuit and Settlement

Bush’s attorneys alleged that Russell Westbrook Hyundai had reported over a dozen vehicles stolen under similar circumstances since 2021. They argued that Anaheim police routinely intervene in dealership disputes that should be handled through civil channels.

The City of Anaheim agreed to pay Bush $250,000 to resolve the lawsuit, while admitting no wrongdoing. City attorneys argued that officers acted within the scope of their duties and disputed liability.

Implications and Concerns

The incident raises concerns about the relationship between dealerships and law enforcement. If true, taxpayers may want to inquire about why the city paid $250,000 to settle the lawsuit.

The case also highlights the importance of transparency and communication in contractual disputes. Dealerships should ensure that they clearly disclose all terms and conditions to customers, and law enforcement should be cautious when intervening in civil matters.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What was the outcome of the lawsuit?

The City of Anaheim agreed to pay Deja Bush $250,000 to settle the lawsuit, despite denying any wrongdoing.

Q: Why was Deja Bush arrested?

Bush was arrested after the dealership reported her Elantra stolen, and she was charged with felony receiving stolen property and unlawfully taking a vehicle.

Q: What were the allegations against the dealership?

The lawsuit alleged that Russell Westbrook Hyundai had reported over a dozen vehicles stolen under similar circumstances since 2021, and that Anaheim police acted as repossession agents for the dealership.