Two 14-Year-Olds Arrested After Attempted Hyundai Thefts in St. Cloud

Two 14-year-old boys were arrested in St. Cloud, Minnesota, for attempting to steal Hyundai vehicles from an apartment parking lot on Washington Memorial Drive, amid a broader surge in Kia and Hyundai thefts linked to viral TikTok videos highlighting security flaws in these cars. Police found one Hyundai with a broken window and damaged ignition system, and the following day discovered another Hyundai with similar damage, both incidents attributed to the same suspects. The boys fled on foot when police arrived but were caught and taken to juvenile detention, facing charges including attempted motor vehicle theft, felony property damage, tampering with a motor vehicle, and fleeing. Authorities have noted that these thefts appear to be for joyriding rather than monetary gain, and the trend reflects a wider pattern affecting neighborhoods throughout the city. St. Cloud police have advised Kia and Hyundai owners to consult manufacturers for security updates and recommended steering wheel locks as a deterrent. The cases have been forwarded to the Stearns County Attorney's Office for potential felony charges.