15-Year-Old Accused of Stealing Car in Geneva

A Rochester teen has been charged with stealing a car in downtown Geneva.

Officers spotted a Hyundai sedan with no lights traveling the wrong way on Union Street just before 1 a.m. Thursday. The 15-year-old driver initially failed to pull over and was taken into custody after he attempted to flee on foot after stopping at an apartment complex on Reed Street Extension. Police accuse the teen of breaking out one of the vehicle’s windows and manipulating the ignition to start the car.

The teen’s local charges will be handled through Ontario County Probation and Family Court. He was turned over to Rochester Police as he had an active grand larceny warrant for his arrest.

Earlier this week, Geneva PD warned residents, especially those who own Kia’s and Hyundai’s, to lock their unoccupied cars after the report of multiple break-ins that occurred Wednesday. An increase nationwide in car thefts has police from across the country believing it is all part of a dangerous challenge spreading on TikTok and other social media platforms, Known as the “Kia Challenge” young teens are sharing videos of stealing certain cars off the street using a USB cord.

The target? Certain makes and models of 2010-2021 Kia and Hyundai vehicles that use a mechanical key, not a key fob and push-button to start the car.