On November 13, 2025,
at approximately 4:54 a.m., Eureka Police Department Patrol Officers
responded to the 2900 block of G Street for a report of an attempted
vehicle theft involving a Kia. The suspect fled in a separate vehicle
after being confronted by the reporting party. While responding,
officers observed two Kia vehicles speeding away from the vicinity
and attempted a traffic stop on one of them.
During
the stop, occupants began switching seats, and the vehicle fled from
officers, leading to a pursuit through several residential streets.
At two separate dead ends, the driver turned the vehicle toward
officers, nearly striking them and damaging a patrol car to the point
it was taken out of service. Due to increasingly dangerous driving,
the pursuit was ultimately terminated.
Shortly
afterward, the suspect vehicle, later confirmed to be stolen out of
Eureka, was found abandoned on the 700 block of N Street. A tracking
K9 was deployed but was unable to locate the suspects. Around the
same time, a separate victim reported interrupting another attempted
theft of their Kia.
Due
to the integrity of this investigation, additional specific details
are not being released at this time. If you have information, please
contact EPD’s Criminal Investigation Unit (CIU) at 707- 441-4300.
As
noted in a previous press release from March, 2025, Kia and Hyundai
models continue to be heavily targeted in vehicle thefts nationwide.
Owners are encouraged to contact their dealership to determine
whether their vehicle qualifies for a software update, ignition
cylinder protector, or a steering-wheel lock.
The
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommends the
following steps to reduce the risk of theft:
Always remove keys from the vehicle.
Keep windows closed and doors locked.
Park in well-lit, visible areas.
Avoid leaving valuables in plain sight.
Use audible or visible alarm systems.
Consider immobilizing devices that prevent ignition bypass.
Install a vehicle-recovery system to help locate the car if stolen.
Taking
these precautions can significantly reduce the likelihood of becoming
a victim of vehicle theft.
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