Two self-described “Kia Boys” are in custody in Washington, according to police, after being accused of multiple felonies in connection with a spate of “violent robberies and brazen vehicle thefts.”
Earlier in the year, Hyundai and Kia released software aimed at stopping a surge in car thefts that was brought on by a security hole that was discovered on TikTok and other social media platforms, giving rise to a gang of thieves known as the “Kia Boys.”
The 18-year-old arrests of Ralphe Manuma and Ardrell Davis were made public by the Bellevue Police Department (BPD) on Friday.
“These individuals terrorized our entire region, and I am very proud of the work of the many detectives, deputies, officers, and crime analysts who worked tirelessly to make sure that these individuals were held accountable for their actions.” Chief of the BPD, Wendell Shirley, stated in a press release. “The residents of the entire Puget Sound region can sleep better knowing that these dangerous individuals are off the streets, thanks to the hard work of law enforcement.”
Two Bellevue gas stations were robbed on September 19, according to police, and in one case, the suspect used a gun to strike the clerk in the head before making off with money and merchandise.
A police crime analyzer found four identical offenses that had occurred in Tukwila, SeaTac, White Center, and Burien on the same night as the two robberies in Bellevue shortly after the latter two, according to the authorities.
Investigators thought that the six robberies were all committed by the same culprits.
“One of the vehicles involved in the robberies, a stolen Hyundai Tucson, was later recovered by detectives,” police stated. Manuma and Davis are said to have been connected to the crimes by evidence found within the car.
Manuma is charged with “multiple robberies in Tacoma,” one of which is said to have occurred on September 17 and involves him pointing a gun at a victim while stealing a necklace. Additionally, he is charged with operating a pilfered Kia in Lakewood on October 5.
According to police, Davis is the subject of “multiple felony investigations,” one of which concerns an incident that occurred in Lakewood on September 12 and involved the possession of a stolen car. Davis is accused of taunting the victim of a stolen Kia while his associate drove off with the vehicle, according to video of the incident that the police provided.
Manuma, a resident of Tacoma, is accused of five first-degree robberies, one charge of wrongful imprisonment, and one count of possessing a stolen vehicle. A $750,000 bail was set for him.
Five counts of first-degree robbery, one count of unlawful imprisonment, and one count of taking a motor vehicle without permission are the charges brought against Davis, a resident of Lakewood. A $500k bond was set for him.
