Teen Arrested, Runaways Recovered After Stolen Kia Pursuit in Montgomery County

A brief pursuit on I-45 in Montgomery County on June 11, 2025, resulted in the arrest of a 17-year-old and the recovery of two runaway juveniles, all connected to a stolen Kia Soul. The incident has prompted the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) Auto Theft Task Force to issue a public warning about the increasing theft of Kia vehicles and to offer anti-theft devices.

Deputies received information about a stolen gray 2017 Kia Soul, reported stolen from Irving, Texas, traveling northbound on I-45. When deputies attempted a traffic stop, the driver accelerated rapidly, leading to a short pursuit. The vehicle eventually stopped near I-45 in Willis, and its three occupants were detained.

The MCSO Auto Theft Task Force responded to investigate the stolen vehicle. Following the initial investigation, 17-year-old Jamarian Lamarr Lee Hawkins of Irving, TX, was arrested and charged with Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle, Evading Detention in a Vehicle, and Possession of a Controlled Substance. The two juvenile passengers were identified as runaways from Irving, Texas, and were subsequently taken to the Montgomery County Juvenile Detention Facility.

Further investigation revealed that the suspects had allegedly come to Montgomery County with the intention of stealing additional Kia vehicles. The Auto Theft Task Force is collaborating with other agencies on this case, and the ongoing investigation may lead to additional suspects and charges.

The Montgomery County Auto Theft Task Force and the MCSO are urging citizens to be aware that Kia vehicles have become highly sought-after targets for theft, particularly among young adults, influenced by social media trends. To help address this issue, the Task Force has received anti-theft devices from the Hyundai Corporation, which are available for public distribution. Citizens interested in obtaining an anti-theft device are encouraged to contact the task force at 936-760-5847.

Additionally, the Montgomery County Auto Theft Task Force stresses the importance of basic vehicle security: ALWAYS TAKE YOUR KEYS, LOCK YOUR CAR, and REMOVE VALUABLES FROM YOUR VEHICLE. The Montgomery County Auto Theft Task Force is partially funded and trained by the Texas Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Authority.