On July 26, 2024 at approximately 8:15AM, Culpeper Police Department officers responded to a residence in the 700-block of Colonels Court for a stolen vehicle. The owner had left the vehicle locked and parked overnight on Virginia Ave. When they went to check on the vehicle in the morning, the silver 2016 Hyundai Sonata had been stolen.

On July 29th at approximately 12:42AM, Culpeper Police Department officers were notified by Flock ALPR (Automated License Plate Reader) that the stolen vehicle was in the area of N Main St. An officer already on patrol in that area located the stolen vehicle and attempted to conduct a traffic stop. However, the driver of the stolen vehicle chose to flee the area in an attempt to evade law enforcement. Officers pursued and ultimately the driver crashed the stolen vehicle in the cul-de-sac of North Ridge Blvd. This time, the driver fled on foot into the woods. Culpeper County Sheriff’s Office responded with a K-9 unit and the driver was quickly and successfully apprehended. Out of an abundance of caution, the driver was transported by law enforcement to UVA Health Culpeper Medical Center to be checked and cleared of any injuries by medical staff.

Once in custody, the driver was identified as a juvenile known to law enforcement. The Culpeper Police Department has previously charged this juvenile with auto theft and commercial burglary.

As a result of this investigation, the Culpeper Police Department charged the juvenile with felony Eluding, felony Possession of Burglary Tools, felony Destruction of Property, felony Possession of a Stolen Vehicle, misdemeanor Reckless Driving, as well as citations for Driving without a License, Failure to Stop at Stop Sign, and Driving on Wrong Side of the Roadway. The juvenile was arrested and held without bond at the Blue Ridge Juvenile Detention Center. Per Virginia law, no additional identifying information about the juvenile will be released.

Based on current evidence, it appears that the juvenile used force to gain entry into the victim vehicle. Once inside, the juvenile took advantage of a Hyundai manufacturing vulnerability that allows for thieves to drive the vehicle without a car key. It is currently suspected that this juvenile did not act alone, and that additional persons may have been involved.

“Certain Hyundai and Kia vehicles made between 2011 and 2022 are particularly susceptible to this type of theft,” said Captain A. Terrill. “For most cars, simply locking the doors and removing all car keys is sufficient theft deterrent. However, these particular cars were made without theft immobilizers and instructional videos on how to steal these specific models are readily accessible online. I urge vehicle owners to take extra steps to safeguard their property. Those steps include software updates if you own a 2011-2022 Hyundai or Kia, as well as using a vehicle tracking system, steering wheel lock, or a pedal jack. Also, the Virginia State Police offer free VIN etching events for vehicles and motorcycles.”

“Additional steps that all property owners can take are to park vehicles in garages or well-lit areas and to install functional outdoor security cameras around your home,” said Chief C. Settle. “As always, we recommend following the 9PM Routine: remove all valuables and firearms from your vehicles, close garage doors, lock your vehicles and outdoor sheds, and turn on your porch lights.”

This is an active and on-going investigation. Anyone with additional information is asked to contact MPO V. Grimes at 540-727-3430 ext.5571 or email tips@culpeperva.gov. Callers who wish to remain anonymous can submit tips by calling Culpeper Crime Solvers at 540-727-0300 or submitting a tip at culpeperpd.org.

Nothing is attached.

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Contact: Master Police Officer Julia Cole

Email: JCole@culpeperva.gov

Phone: 540-829-5525

August 1, 2024

JC-2024-11