TikTok “Kia Challenge” Hits Madison County

MADISON COUNTY-Over the past five days, the Madison County Sheriff’s Office has responded to three separate stolen vehicle reports in the Hazelwood subdivision in Hazel Green. In each case, the vehicles involved were 2011–2015 Kia models. All three vehicles were stolen during the overnight hours, driven a short distance, and later abandoned within approximately two miles of the subdivision. Deputies have since recovered all three vehicles. Evidence collected at each scene indicates these incidents are connected to a viral TikTok trend commonly referred to as the “Kia Challenge” or “Kia Boyz.” This trend targets certain Kia models that can be more easily manipulated to start without a key.

In all three Hazelwood cases, the vehicles were locked and the owners still had their keys. The suspects broke out windows and damaged the steering columns and ignition systems to gain access and start the vehicles.

Residents in Hazelwood and surrounding subdivisions are urged to remain vigilant, secure their vehicles, and promptly report any suspicious activity observed in their neighborhoods. The recovered vehicles are currently undergoing forensic processing. At this time, no suspects have been identified.

Anyone with information related to these crimes is asked to contact Detective Eckerd at:

peckerd@madisoncountyal.gov

256-532-4099