14-year-olds apprehended for attempted Hyundai theft in Takoma Park

TAKOMA PARK, Md. — Two 14-year-olds were caught by police trying to steal a Hyundai in Takoma Park, Maryland. The two teens were later released into the custody of their parents. 

On Tuesday evening, around 5:30 p.m., Takoma Park Police responded to Hickory Avenue near Montgomery Avenue for a report of an auto theft in progress. Responding officers interrupted four juveniles who were trying to steal a red Hyundai. The vehicles window was smashed and the ignition was punched out. Two of the teens jumped into another blue Hyundai, reversed into the red one they were trying to steal, and got away. The other two tried to take off on foot and were apprehended by officers.

An investigation revealed the blue Hyundai the teens drove off in was also reported stolen earlier in the day and belonged to a resident in Takoma Park. The stolen vehicle description was shared with local jurisdictions and also entered into the NCIC stolen vehicle database.

Anyone who may have information about this crime is asked to call Takoma Park Police at 301-270-1100.

This latest theft comes as states attorneys general are demanding action.

Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown is demanding the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHSTA) issue a recall of Hyundai and Kia vehicles manufactured between 2011 and 2022.  

In a letter sent to NHSTA, Brown calls out the car manufacturers continued failure to take adequate steps to address the alarming rate of thefts of their vehicles.  

Brown joined a coalition of 18 states calling for the federal recall, including the attorneys general of Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington. 

Videos posted online show how to steal certain Kia and Hyundai vehicles using a USB charging cord, which has led to a drastic increase in the number of motor vehicle thefts across the country.