MINNEAPOLIS — A 14-year-old boy was critically injured after crashing a vehicle that police say was reported stolen.
According to the Minneapolis Police Department, a 14-year-old suffered "life-threatening injuries" after being involved in a single-vehicle crash near 39th Avenue North and Upton Avenue North Sunday at around 10:40 p.m. Police say the teen was the only person in the vehicle.
In a press release, an MPD official said the teen was driving a Kia that was reported stolen. Hyundai and Kia vehicles have been targets for car thieves recently. Minneapolis Police say Kia and Hyundai thefts are up almost 900% with 2,166 thefts this year compared to just 218 in 2021 at this point of the year.
In a statement sent to KARE 11 on Dec. 13, Hyundai said it continues to take steps to help prevent the thefts of certain vehicles.
"We remain concerned about the increase in thefts of certain Hyundai vehicles that have been targeted in a coordinated social media campaign. Currently, Hyundai provides steering wheel locks, as available, to law enforcement agencies in impacted areas. In addition, Hyundai will provide two other options for owners of these earlier model year vehicles targeted by thieves.
- Hyundai has released a glass break sensor security kit that targets the method of entry used by thieves to break into these vehicles. These kits are available for purchase and installation at Hyundai dealerships and Compustar authorized installers across the country. The MSRP for the kit is $170, and the estimated cost for installation may vary by location.
- Hyundai is also developing a software update to further secure these targeted vehicles. We anticipate that this software update will become available for certain vehicles in the first half of 2023, with updates for other vehicles following thereafter.
Please note that all Hyundai vehicles meet or exceed Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. Some earlier models, without a push-button ignition, do not have engine immobilizers. In November 2021, engine immobilizers became standard on all Hyundai vehicles produced."
Police are also urging people to:
- Use anti-theft devices
- Park in a garage when possible
- Park in well-lit areas
- Lock the vehicle doors
- Don't leave keys or fob inside the vehicle
- Don't leave valuables inside the vehicle
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
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