WHITE SETTLEMENT, Texas — Yet another Kia owner in North Texas has become a victim of car theft.
On Wednesday, Jan. 24, the White Settlement Police Department found an abandoned vehicle along Silver Creek Road and McCully Street. Officers found an abandoned 2013 Kia Optima, which appeared to have crashed into a creek. The car, which had no one inside, was still running with the transmission in drive, police said.
That car belonged to Dottie Black, who lives in an apartment complex two blocks away from where her stolen vehicle was abandoned.
“It just amazes me. I really wish I could ask the person who did this, 'What were you thinking? Why they did not go any further than they went?' I don’t know,” Black said.
Black didn’t know her car was stolen until police got to her home and let her know.
“I think I went into shock," Black said. “I was like there’s no way my car isn’t sitting there. I felt violated.”
Up until that point, Black was unaware of a viral challenge that involves stealing certain types of Kia and Hyundai vehicles. Videos circulating on social media show teenagers starting cars with a screwdriver and USB cord. From there, they take the vehicles on joy rides. Typically, the so-called challenge ends with a damaged, abandoned vehicle.
White Settlement Police Chief Christopher Cook said he believes Black’s car theft is part of a national trend police departments are seeing nationwide and across North Texas.
“It’s almost like a game, that’s why they call it a challenge,” Cook said.
While Cook said his small town isn’t currently experiencing a surge in thefts among Kia and Hyundai models, the circulation of car theft videos makes crime prevention more difficult. His department has assigned a detective to focus specifically on vehicle thefts, part of a new program with the state.
In 2022, White Settlement had 87 vehicle thefts, and in 2023, the number of vehicle thefts dropped to 54, according to Cook.
Black was able to retrieve her car, but it has significant damage around the steering wheel and front bumper.
Black’s can still start her car using a USB cord, and as long as it’s plugged into the ignition, the car will run.
“I’m absolutely floored that you can start a car with a USVB port,” Black said. “Part of me doesn’t feel safe having a Kia now, knowing that it’s so easy to be able to break into and steal.”
She blames the car manufacturer for creating a vehicle vulnerable to theft. WFAA reached out to Kia for information on potential recalls and repairs, but did not hear back.
Black, who only had liability insurance, said she’ll have to pay for the repairs herself.
“It’s damage that we just don’t have money sitting around to fix,” Black said.
Anyone with information related to this case is asked to email investigator@wspd.us or Tarrant County Crime Stoppers at 817-469-TIPS.
NOTE: The following video was uploaded in Feb. 2023.