EPD releases some details about two attempted thefts of Kia vehicles

 

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.