This is unfortunately why you have to be careful using a GPS tracker to get your ride back…
If you own a Kia or Hyundai of a certain vintage, you need to be aware it is a theft magnet. Blame TikTok for teaching kids just how easy these vehicles are to boost or get made at the automaker for not installing a simple engine immobilizer, but whatever you do it’s necessary to exercise caution when tracking your stolen car down. A woman in Aurora, Colorado learned this the hard way when she turned on the Apple AirTag hidden in her stolen 2020 Kia Optima, tracked it down, and then was shot.
One city is looking to sue Kia and Hyundai. Learn more here.
The thing is criminals often carry guns, including those who are felons and can’t legally have them. These guys just ignore laws and do whatever they want, like swiping your vehicle to use for drive-bys or whatever. So if you do happen to use a GPS tracker to pinpoint where your car has been taken, be really careful when getting it back.
According to KDVR, the woman was able to track down the stolen Kia after it was swiped on the afternoon of July 9. That evening she went to get it back, but as she approached her vehicle someone shot her in the hand. The woman then went to the hospital for treatment.
Later that same night, police spotted the Kia Optima and a chase ensued. According to KDVR, officers tried to PIT the vehicle several times but couldn’t. Also, one of the department’s Chevy Tahoe’s hit another car during the chase. Sounds like the Aurora Police Department needs more funding and training.
Officers found the Kia abandoned later, the three suspects who had been inside having long since taken off.
And this is why even though we tell everyone to put at least two GPS trackers on their cars, you need to be extra cautious when retrieving your ride.
Image via Aurora Police Department
