TikTok Car Theft Challenge Leads To Arrest Of 3 Teens: Prince George's Police

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, MD — Three teens have been arrested in connection with the theft of a Kia.

The suspects - two 14-year-old boys and one 15-year-old boy- all live in Bowie.

On Jan. 31 at approximately 10:45 p.m., detectives stopped the stolen Kia in the 2800 block of Curtis Drive in Temple Hills. The Kia had recently been reported stolen in a neighboring jurisdiction. A USB charging cord was recovered in the car, which detectives believe was used to start the stolen vehicle. This method of using a USB cord to steal certain Kias and Hyundais is a trend that’s been shared on social media nationwide, the Prince George's County Police Department noted in its report.

The juveniles each face multiple charges to include theft, unlawful removal of a motor vehicle and unlawful taking of a motor vehicle. Following their arrest, the juveniles were released to a guardian.

"In order to help prevent vehicle theft, we encourage residents to remove charger cords from their vehicles or at least hide them. Also, consider purchasing a brake pedal club, alarm or other theft prevention device," the police department stated.

If anyone has information about this case, they are asked to contact detectives at 301-516-3788. Refer to case 23-0006296. Callers wanting to remain anonymous can call Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477), or go online at www.pgcrimesolvers.com, or use the “P3 Tips” mobile app search “P3 Tips” in the Apple Store or Google Play to download the app onto a mobile device.