KYLE, Texas — Three teenagers have been arrested for allegedly stealing a car, then leading Kyle police on a chase.
The Kyle Police Department said on Feb. 10, at around 4:20 a.m., officers spotted a 2019 Hyundai Elantra that had been reported stolen from the Aidan Apartments on Amberwood South.
The officers tried to initiate a traffic stop, but the driver of the Hyundai allegedly drove away. A chase ensued, ending on Blue Meadow Drive in Austin, where police said the Hyundai struck multiple unoccupied, parked vehicles before the occupants attempted to run off on foot.
Officers were able to arrest three of the car's four occupants: the driver, 18-year-old Jeremy Christian Cardenas of Kyle; 17-year-old Javier Alejandro Cortez Quintero of Austin; and a 13-year-old from Austin. Warrants are out for the car's fourth occupant, a 16-year-old from Austin.
Kyle police said both Cardenas and Quintero face several charges, including Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity.
Hyundai models have been at the center of hundreds of car thefts over the past year or so, primarily due to their lack of protective features. In fact, Austin police reported that in 2023, there were 2,370 thefts of Kias and Hyundais alone – almost a 700% jump from 2022, when there were only 349.
Because of this, the Kyle Police Department is offering free steering wheel locks to drivers of certain vehicles. Kyle residents can pick up a free steering lock at the Kyle Public Safety Center during regular business hours if they own one of the following cars:
- 2011-2022 Hyundai Accent
- 2011-2022 Hyundai Elantra
- 2013-2017 Hyundai Elantra GT
- 2013-2014 Hyundai Elantra Coupe
- 2011-2012 Hyundai Elantra Touring
- 2011-2014 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
- 2018-2022 Hyundai Kona
- 2020-2021 Hyundai Palisade
- 2011-2012, 2019-2022 Hyundai Santa Fe
- 2013-2018, 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe; Hyundai Santa Fe XL
- 2013-2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport
- 2011-2019 Hyundai Sonata
- 2011-2022 Hyundai Tucson
- 2012-2017, 2019-2021 Hyundai Veloster
- 2020-2021 Hyundai Venue
- 2011-2012 Hyundai Veracruz
- 2011-2021 Kia Forte
- 2021-2022 Kia K5
- 2011-2020 Kia Optima
- 2011-2021 Kia Rio
- 2011-2021 Kia Sedona
- 2021-2022 Kia Seltoa
- 2010-2022 Kia Soul
- 2011-2022 Kia Sorento
- 2011-2022 Kia Sportage
Kyle police say Hyundai will also reimburse drivers who own one of those listed vehicles if they have already purchased a steering wheel lock. Drivers can call 888-498-0390 for more information.
Anyone with any information about the Feb. 10 car theft is asked to call Kyle police at 512-268-3232 or submit a tip anonymously to the Hays County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-324-8477, online at callcrimestoppers.com or by using the P3 Tips app.