3 girls arrested, including 12-year-old, in Tacoma, WA Kia theft

A recent incident in Tacoma, Washington, highlights a concerning trend involving juvenile car theft. Three girls, aged 12, 14, and 15, were arrested after being caught driving a stolen Kia Optima on New Year's Day. Tacoma police initiated a stop when they spotted the vehicle, but the girls fled on foot after abandoning the car. Officers quickly apprehended all three, with one girl in possession of a USB cable, a tool commonly associated with a viral TikTok challenge that teaches users how to steal specific Kia and Hyundai models. This trend has raised alarms among law enforcement, prompting warnings from the Puget Sound Auto Theft Task Force.

The two older girls were taken to Remann Hall Juvenile Detention Center, while the youngest was returned to her family in Auburn. As vehicle thefts continue to rise, particularly among younger perpetrators, community safety and awareness are becoming increasingly important. This incident serves as a reminder of the influence of social media on youth behavior and its implications for public safety.