COLUMBUS, Ohio — A group of juveniles driving a stolen Kia was arrested in Hilliard last week.
Residents called police Friday morning saying it looked like someone was going through cars in the area of Hilliard Davidson High School and the Hilliard Division of Police.
“All juveniles, driving a stolen Kia, targeting other Kias probably in the area,” said Hilliard Police Chief Mike Woods.
Two of the juveniles were arrested right away. Two others tried to run, but were quickly caught.
One of the juveniles was just 12 years old. A 14-year-old who was arrested had a gun and was on a GPS ankle monitor. He also had a warrant out for his arrest.
CrimeTracker 10 has been reporting on juveniles stealing Hyundais and Kias for more than a year due to how easy the vehicles are to steal.
“The best word to describe it is frustration. Law enforcement is frustrated. We are seeing a lot of these kids over and over again. They are leading police on chases. They are driving recklessly. They are causing danger to our public,” Woods said.
Woods said at least one of the boys, ages 12 to 17, is known for stealing Kias throughout the Columbus area and adds something needs to be done so police departments aren't arresting the same kids over and over again.
“This is not law enforcement looking at this independently. We have to have the courts to work with. We want to work with them. Yes, we are frustrated, but I think it is a frustration that hopefully they share as well because they are seeing some of the same kids,” Woods said.