SALT LAKE CITY (KUTV) — Two juveniles were arrested in connection with nearly 50 recent thefts and attempted thefts of Kia and Hyundai vehicles across Salt Lake City.
The Salt Lake City Police Department’s Crime Intelligence and Analysis Unit first noticed a substantial increase in thefts targeting these vehicles, particularly in the Rose Park area, on Dec. 6, 2024.
Between Nov. 23 and Dec. 6, there were 13 thefts or attempted thefts involving Hyundais or Kias, most of which occurred overnight, between 4 a.m. and 7 a.m. As of Jan. 10, 2025, that number had risen to about 50.
An intensive search for the suspects has been ongoing.
Around 1 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 10, on-duty SLCPD officers were in the area of 1700 West and 400 North looking for stolen vehicles when one officer spotted a silver Hyundai with two occupants. The officer lost sight of the vehicle before they could initiate a traffic stop but later discovered the car was listed as stolen.
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Shortly after, dispatch received a report of a hit-and-run near 1780 West and 400 North. The driver reportedly lost control and crashed, injuring the victim, who was reported to have non-life-threatening injuries.
Police responded and took two juveniles into custody, who matched suspect descriptions provided by nearby residents. Officers reportedly found evidence linking the pair to the stolen Hyundai.
After identifying the juveniles, authorities confirmed they were being actively sought by detectives. Both were booked into the Salt Lake County Juvenile Detention Center. Their identities are being withheld due to their ages.
Detectives will work with prosecutors to determine how many of the thefts and attempted thefts the suspects were involved in.
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