A 16-year-old armed led police on a chase through Beacon Hill on Monday in a stolen car before crashing into several cars and a tree. Officers later found a handgun and ski mask in the vehicle.
Police have been investigating a recent spike in Kia thefts in Seattle. Officers have frequently recovered stolen Kias with telltale damage to their rear passenger windows. Investigators also believe some of the recent thefts may also be connected to a series of armed robberies in the Seattle area.
On Monday, just before noon, patrol officers spotted a stolen Kia Optima, with a broken rear passenger window, on Beacon Avenue South. Officers believed the driver was connected to armed robberies in the greater Seattle area and turned on their emergency lights to stop the vehicle. The Kia’s driver then sped away.
Because of the driver’s possible connection to armed robberies, police pursued the suspect, who struck several vehicles and crashed into a tree near 15th Avenue South and South Bayview. Officers then took the driver into custody and found a gun, ski mask, and USB cable in the car. Police believe suspects in numerous recent Kia thefts in Seattle have been using USB devices to override vehicle transmissions and steal vehicles.
Officers booked the 16-year-old into the Children and Family Justice Center for eluding police, unlawful possession of a firearm, and possession of a stolen motor vehicle. Police are also requesting charges for hit and run.