‘Kia Boyz’ allegedly execute a crime spree in south King County
Mar 28, 2024, 9:03 AM | Updated: 1:13 pm
Police helicopter locates red Hyundai used in south King County crimes. (Photo courtesy of King County Sheriff Guardian One helicopter via Renton Police X)
(Photo courtesy of King County Sheriff Guardian One helicopter via Renton Police X)
The “Kia Boyz” strike again.
Renton Police Department officers chased down a 14- and 16-year-old, but are still looking for two other teen suspects, 14 and 15, in what they said was a “crime spree” in south King County.
Officers were alerted to the incident Tuesday afternoon when two boys, ages 8 and 10, called 911 saying they were threatened with a gun by a passenger in a red sedan near Edmonds Ave. NE and Ferndale Ave. NE in Renton.
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Later that afternoon, a Renton resident reported a red Hyundai Sonata had been stolen. Then, police were alerted to a similar car driving erratically along Lake Washington Blvd.
They located the car after a search by the King County Sheriff’s Office Guardian One helicopter.
— Renton Police Dept. (@RentonpdWA) March 28, 2024
The sheriff’s office captured video of the chase from Renton to Westfield Southcenter. The teens were driving a stolen red Hyundai, blowing through red lights and going more than 65 mph.
“It’s a red Hyundai Sonata,” the alert sent over police radio. “The backseat passenger is armed.”
Police said the four teenagers made it to Southcenter. But they crashed into a pole and then ran away from the scene.
“We are lucky no one was injured in this situation, but it’s only a matter of time,” Renton Police Chief Jon Schuldt said in a press release.
Officers caught and arrested two of the suspects, with two more on the loose.
Detectives found a large amount of stolen marijuana products in the vehicle from the same shop. Authorities called the shop and learned of a robbery.
“Juvenile crime is an epidemic,” warned Chief Jon Schuldt. “We see it almost daily.”
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The two teens arrested were released to their families.
“We need not only to start talking about this escalating situation, but we need to start focusing on solutions, which include accountability for actions,” Schuldt said.
You can read more of Kate Stone’s stories here. Follow Kate on X, formerly known as Twitter, or email her here.
Bill Kaczaraba is a content editor at MyNorthwest. You can read his stories here. Follow Bill on X, formerly known as Twitter, here and email him here.
