ST PAUL, Minn. — A woman died Sunday night after a collision with a stolen vehicle in the area of Forest Street and Magnolia Avenue East in St. Paul.
On Monday afternoon, the Ramsey County Medical Examiner identified the woman as 70-year-old Phoua Hang of St. Paul.
Officers said a stolen gray Kia Sport crashed into Hang, who was driving, and her husband, who was in the front seat, at around 10 p.m. Sunday. St. Paul Police, Minnesota State Patrol Flight Section and K9 units searched for the suspect that ran from the scene but could not find them.
Ramsey County Sheriff's Office said there is a growing trend for criminals targeting Kias to steal.
"It's becoming a status symbol. If you steal a nice Kia, they will post it on social media and brag," Ramsey County Sheriff Deputy Alex Graham said.
According to St. Paul Police, the city investigated 1,891 auto thefts this year, compared to 1,351 for the same period in 2021. Looking at Kia and Hyundai vehicles specifically, the department has investigated 256 Kia thefts and 212 Hyundai thefts in 2022, compared to 18 Kia and 31 Hyundai thefts during the same time last year.
Graham explained there are YouTube videos that walk through how to steal a Kia. He says there is something with the ignition that can be compromised.
"They smash a window, and can get the car going within 45 seconds," Graham said.
Kia responded to KARE 11's request for comment with an emailed statement:
"Kia America is aware of the rise in vehicle thefts of a subset of trim level vehicles in your area. As of the current 2022 Model Year, all Kia vehicles have an engine immobilizer fitted as standard. All Kia vehicles for sale in the U.S. meet or exceed Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards."
Graham said he isn't aware of any recall on older Kia's.
"This isn't the last person unfortunately that it'll happen to if this problem goes uncheck," he said.
The St. Paul crash is under investigation and anyone with information or video is asked to call the St. Paul Traffic and Pedestrian Safety Unit at 651-266-5722.
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