HAZEL GREEN — A 16-year-old boy was arrested Wednesday in connection with a series of auto thefts related to a TikTok challenge.
According to the Madison County Sheriff’s Office, detectives with the Criminal Investigations Division developed leads connected to the recent series of Kia and Hyundai vehicle thefts reported in the Hazelwood subdivision in Hazel Green.
The sheriff’s office said evidence collected at each scene indicates these incidents are connected to a viral TikTok trend commonly referred to as the “Kia Challenge” or “Kia Boyz.” The trend targets certain Kia models that can be more easily manipulated to start without a key.
The investigators executed a search warrant in the 100 block of Cherry Laurel Drive, a subdivision directly across Charity Lane from Hazelwood. There, they found evidence directly related to the ongoing vehicle theft investigations.
Deputies arrested the teen in connection with all five reported vehicle thefts in the neighborhood. He is being held at the Neaves Davis Center for Children, pending a juvenile detention hearing.
The sheriff’s office said the investigation is continuing.
The investigation was a coordinated effort among the Madison County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division, Patrol Division, Narcotics Unit, Street Crimes Unit, and K9 Unit.
Don’t miss out!  Subscribe to our email newsletter to have all our smart stories delivered to your inbox.
