Skip to main content

Police actions often close down streets, buildings, and public spaces. What’s more, special response officers like SWAT team members may find temporary cover where they can, like a parked car. Unfortunately for one S197 Ford Mustang owner, that exact scenario damaged the parked ‘Stang. 

It’s not every day that a SWAT team officer uses your Ford Mustang spoiler and decklid as a rifle rest, but that’s precisely what happened to one owner

One fifth-generation (S197) Ford Mustang owner was surprised to find damage on his beloved pony car. However, this wasn’t from a jealous ex or a careless bystander. No, a county’s sheriff department contingent, along with what appears to be SWAT officers, took up positions facing a home in suburbia. One of those positions? A black fifth-generation Mustang. 

Now, SWAT, or Special Weapons and Tactics teams, are paramilitary units within police departments tasked with handling potentially disastrous situations, like hostage situations and active shooters. However, SWAT isn’t the acronym every agency uses. For instance, some federal agencies will call their tactical teams “Special Response Teams” (SRT) or something similar.

Either way, these officers differ from patrol officers in training, equipment, and conditions. Should the call for a unit like SWAT be necessary, officers will likely gain positions of cover until taking follow-on actions. Unnecessarily for this Ford Mustang owner, their car was the cover for a green-clad special response officer, complete with a carbine. 

Unfortunately, the modified S197 Ford Mustang isn’t the best rifle rest. In the aftermath of the police action, the owner documented the damage. Scratches along the Mustang’s spoiler where the carbine’s barrel and bayonet lug met the paint awaited the owner.

On the bright side, insurance and even the city will likely cover a damage claim. Additionally, a spoiler for a 2005-2009 Ford Mustang isn’t exactly an expensive component. Many styles of painted rear spoilers and wings are available as aftermarket parts for under $500. Moreover, a special edition S197 Mustang like a Shelby GT or Bullitt doesn’t have a spoiler. Consequently, damage like this would have been directly on the trunk lid. 

Check out the social media post of the officer using the fifth-generation Ford Mustang as cover below!

Best in Sedans & Coupes
Avatar photo
Staff Writer

Erik Sherman

Erik Sherman joined the MotorBiscuit team as an Autos Writer in 2022. An admitted petrolhead and an avid motorcyclist, Erik has owned everything from classic cars to motorcycles to modern driver’s cars. Erik also has extensive experience with military and emergency vehicles, ranging from ambulances and fire engines to MRAPs and M-ATVs. Erik is an eager car and motorcycle reviewer with experience covering everything from sports cars to pontoon boats and jet skis.

Erik holds a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations (IRG) from the University of Texas at Austin and has studied Chinese, Energy, and European Politics at the University of Glasgow in Scotland. Erik’s background is unorthodox; he is a United States Marine Corps (USMC) combat veteran, water survival practitioner, and a former firefighter/EMT. Additionally, Erik is a regular volunteer and former instructor with the American Red Cross (ARC).