A teen was arrested in Montgomery County after evading arrest in a stolen car. After his arrest, authorities learned that he planned to steal more.
The case started on June 11, when deputies from the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office received information about a gray 2017 Kia Soul traveling northbound on I-45. The vehicle had been reported stolen in Irving, Texas.
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Deputies attempted a traffic stop on the Kia, but the driver accelerated rapidly, leading deputies on a short pursuit.
The driver eventually came to his senses, stopping the car in the Willis area, where the car’s three occupants were detained.
The suspected driver, Jamarian Hawkins, 17, was arrested for unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, evading detention in a vehicle and possession of a controlled substance.
The two other teens in the car were identified as runways from the Irving area. They were taken to the Montgomery County Juvenile Detention Facility.
Shockingly, further investigation revealed that the teens were likely planning to steal more Kias. Evidence suggested that the suspects had come to Montgomery County with the intention of stealing more Kia vehicles. Investigators said these revelations may lead to additional suspects and charges.
Kia vehicles have become highly sought-after targets for theft, particularly among teens and young adults due to trends on social media and viral “how-to-break-in” videos.
Several years ago, groups of teens in the Milwaukee area went viral on TikTok for stealing Kia and Hyundai vehicles, calling themselves the “Kia Boys.”
Click here for a YouTube video breaking down the trend. Viewer discretion is advised.
To help combat this issue, the Montgomery County Auto Theft Task Force has received anti-theft devices from the Hyundai Corporation, which are available for distribution to the public.
Citizens interested in obtaining an anti-theft device are encouraged to contact the task force at 936-760-5847.
