Excelsior Springs, Mo. — A masked teen targeting Hyundais and Kias left a trail of shattered windows and stolen vehicles across town, but a mother’s sharp eye and a pair of distinctive Nike sneakers helped police crack the case and end the weeks-long crime spree.
A series of car break-ins and thefts had residents on edge after reports surfaced of a masked individual targeting vehicles, particularly Hyundais and Kias, which are known for their vulnerability to theft. The spree began on the evening of December 17, 2024, when the first report was made of a Hyundai being vandalized in an attempted theft. Over the following weeks, incidents escalated, especially during the Excelsior Springs School District’s winter break, as reports of break-ins poured in from neighborhoods across town.
The incidents were concentrated on the west side, starting near the Hillside Apartments and later spreading to other areas. The Excelsior Springs Police Department (ESPD) quickly identified the suspect, described as dressed in all black and wearing a mask, as the focus of their investigation. Security and doorbell footage from neighbors confirmed it was the same individual breaking into cars—and in some cases, successfully stealing them. The timing of the crimes suggested to police that the thief might be a student.
The individual specifically targeted Hyundais and Kias due to their vulnerability to hijacking, a trend observed nationwide. Residents reported shattered windows, broken door handles, and stolen items such as jewelry, gift cards, and key fobs. In total, three cars were stolen, 11 vehicles were vandalized or subjected to attempted thefts, and damages ranged from $60 to $200 per incident.
To prevent tipping off the suspect, police opted not to post details about the case on social media. Instead, officers closely monitored local schools and quietly pursued leads.
The breakthrough came when a concerned mother contacted the ESPD, requesting a welfare check on her 15-year-old son. She had discovered items in his room—including jewelry and gift cards—that matched descriptions of stolen property. Recognizing the significance of these items, officers waited for the teen to return home. When he arrived, he was wearing the same Nike shoes seen in security footage from multiple crime scenes.
Confronted with evidence, the suspect, whose identity has not been released due to his age, confessed to the crimes. He admitted to stealing vehicles for joyrides, often driving them to Liberty or Wood Heights before abandoning them out of fear of being caught. Most stolen vehicles were ditched near the theft locations, leading police to narrow their search and conclude that the suspect lived nearby and traveled on foot.
The suspect now faces multiple charges, including three felonies for car theft, one felony for stealing a firearm from a vehicle, and two additional felonies for vandalism and theft. All three stolen vehicles were recovered and returned to their owners.
The teen admitted to acting alone and denied involvement in any coordinated effort or attempt to impress others. His case has been referred to the Clay County Juvenile Center, where his fate remains undecided.
Lt. Dowdy of the ESPD urged residents to take preventative measures, especially those who own Kias or Hyundais. Suggested steps include:
- Always locking car doors.
- Investing in a steering wheel lock.
- Parking vehicles in a garage when possible.
- Strategically parking Kias and Hyundais behind other vehicles in driveways to deter access.
“These precautions, while inconvenient, could save residents from costly damage,” Dowdy emphasized.
Although the crime spree has come to an end, these incidents serve as a reminder of the importance of securing vehicles and belongings. Police continue to encourage residents to remain vigilant, share security footage when appropriate, and report any suspicious activity.
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