Current:Home > reviews'Kia Boys' flee police in Washington before crashing, chopper footage shows -MoneyStream
'Kia Boys' flee police in Washington before crashing, chopper footage shows
View
Date:2025-04-18 10:02:47
Two teenagers were arrested in Washington state after a crime spree that ended at a Seattle mall, police said.
The 14- and 16-year-old crashed a stolen red Hyundai Sonata into a pole at the Southcenter Mall on March 26, leading to their arrest after they bailed and ran, according to the Renton Police Department. Authorities also identified another 14- and a 15-year-old as suspects who are believed to have been in the same car but evaded capture.
A 911 call earlier that afternoon reported that a passenger in a red sedan had used a gun to threaten two young boys, ages 8 and 10, but that no one was hurt, the department said in a news release on Facebook.
Chopper video released by KCPQ-TV shows the Sonata driving in front of on-coming traffic and blowing through several red stop lights. The car drove at 65 mph and crossed the center lane multiple times, police said.
A resident in the Seattle suburb of Renton had reported their 2016 red Hyundai Sonata stolen shortly before the spree, the department added.
Suspects found with stolen marijuana
After the arrest, officials found "a significant amount of marijuana product" on one of the teenagers and learned that it was from a store brand that experienced a recent theft.
"Juvenile crime is an epidemic. We see it almost daily," Chief Jon Schuldt said in a statement. "We are so lucky no one was injured in this situation, but it’s only a matter of time. We need not only to start talking about this escalating situation, but we need to start focusing on solutions, which include accountability for actions.”
Schuldt said the department is working on probable cause to charge the arrested teens and working to see if the other two who evaded arrest could be charged, according to FOX13.
The two arrested teens were released to their family members and an investigation is ongoing, police said.
USA TODAY has reached out to the Renton Police Department for an update on the status of the pending charges but they did not immediately respond on Tuesday.
Law firm:Kia, Hyundai car owners can claim piece of $145M theft settlement next week
Four teens are members of 'Kia Boys'
The department said that the four teenagers are "well-known to police and members of the Kia Boys."
A viral TikTok trend known as the "Kia Challenge" exposed Kia and Hyundai vehicles' lack of an immobilizer, leading many "Kia Boys" to use screwdrivers and USB charging cords to steal vehicles.
The trend has prompted Kia and Hyndai to settle a class action lawsuit by Seattle-based law firm Hagens Berman, for $200 million.
A month later New York City filed a suit against the automakers, accusing Kia and Hyundai of failing to install immobilizers in their vehicles, according to the 39-page suit filed in the Southern District of New York.
Contributing: Jonathan Limehouse and Natalie Neysa Alund
veryGood! (9)
Related
- Don't let hackers fool you with a 'scam
- Syrian rebel leader says he will dissolve toppled regime forces, close prisons
- The Voice Season 26 Crowns a New Winner
- Trump will be honored as Time’s Person of the Year and ring the New York Stock Exchange bell
- Friday the 13th luck? 13 past Mega Millions jackpot wins in December. See top 10 lottery prizes
- Albertsons gives up on Kroger merger and sues the grocery chain for failing to secure deal
- Kylie Kelce's podcast 'Not Gonna Lie' tops Apple, Spotify less than a week after release
- Woody Allen and Soon
- 'Kraven the Hunter' spoilers! Let's dig into that twisty ending, supervillain reveal
- Trump will be honored as Time’s Person of the Year and ring the New York Stock Exchange bell
Ranking
- 'Most Whopper
- We can't get excited about 'Kraven the Hunter.' Don't blame superhero fatigue.
- Gen Z is 'doom spending' its way through the holidays. What does that mean?
- Southern California forecast of cool temps, calm winds to help firefighters battle Malibu blaze
- Which apps offer encrypted messaging? How to switch and what to know after feds’ warning
- Luigi Mangione merchandise raises controversy, claims of glorifying violence
- A Malibu wildfire prompts evacuation orders and warnings for 20,000, including Dick Van Dyke, Cher
- 'The Later Daters': Cast, how to stream new Michelle Obama
Recommendation
All That You Wanted to Know About She’s All That
Luigi Mangione's Lawyer Speaks Out in UnitedHealthcare CEO Murder Case
Biden commutes roughly 1,500 sentences and pardons 39 people in biggest single
'Secret Level' creators talk new video game Amazon series, that Pac
Grammy nominee Teddy Swims on love, growth and embracing change
Beyoncé takes home first award in country music category at 2024 Billboard Music Awards
Beyoncé will perform halftime during NFL Christmas Day Game: Here's what to know
Michael Bublé Details Heartwarming Moment With Taylor Swift’s Parents at Eras Tour