Car Thieves Charged After Crashing Into Greenwich House: Police

GREENWICH, CT — Four people face multiple charges after police said they stole a car from New York City before crashing it into a Greenwich house early Friday morning.

According to Greenwich police, officers on patrol spotted a Kia Forte speeding and traveling recklessly on Field Point Road around 3 a.m. Before officers could stop the car, police said it crashed into a house, causing significant damage to the vehicle and the building.

Following the crash, police said four people exited the car and fled on foot. Officers arrested the group shortly after the collision with the assistance of a drone and a K-9 unit.

No one was injured in the crash, police said.

The following people were arrested and charged, according to authorities:

• Anthony Izzac Alicea, 21, New York City.
• Jahim Hudson, 20, New York City.
• Keyon McCune, 19, New York City.
• Brandon Pandiello, 19, New York City.

All four face multiple charges, including larceny, criminal mischief, criminal trespassing, and interfering with a police officer.

According to police, the Kia was reported stolen in New York City and had ignition damage consistent with the Kia Challenge, a TikTok trend that emerged in 2022 and is linked to a series of motor vehicle thefts targeting Kias and Hyundais. The thefts are usually recorded and posted to TikTok, according to police.

One of the most deadly crashes that may be linked to the viral TikTok challenge was in Buffalo, New York. Last fall, four teenagers were killed in a high-speed crash with a stolen Kia.