Teen Tackles TikTok Challenge To Steal Car, Faces Charges: Prince George's Police

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, MD — A 17-year-old from Landover who reportedly was engaged in a TikTok challenge has been arrested and faces charges after the Prince George's County police detectives found him in a stolen Kia.

Teens across the country have been taken part in a challenge issued on the social media app to steal Kias and Hyundais using a USB cord. According to Prince George's County police, a USB charging cord was found on the driver's side floorboard, which detectives believe was used to start the stolen car on Jan. 10.

Detectives saw the stolen car and stopped the Kia Optima in the 8000 block of Woodyard Road in Clinton. Three juveniles were inside – the male driver and two female passengers. The passengers were released to their parents on the scene. The driver was taken into custody. He has been charged with theft ($1,500 to under $25,000), unlawful taking of a motor vehicle, unauthorized removal of a motor vehicle and several other charges and later 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 prevent device," the police department said in a news release.

If anyone has information regarding this case, they are asked to contact WAVE detectives at 301-516-3788. 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.