BREAKING: An 18-year-old man has been arrested in Lowell, Massachusetts, after police discovered him asleep behind the wheel of a stolen Kia sedan early Wednesday morning. The incident unfolded shortly before 2:30 a.m. when officers found the idling 2019 Kia Forte parked with its headlights on near Elm and Linden streets.
Authorities report that a police officer grew suspicious upon spotting the vehicle, which had a moving blanket covering a shattered rear window. A quick license plate check confirmed that the vehicle was reported stolen from a 27-year-old woman. Upon arrival, additional officers found the driver, identified as Oziel Gomez, still asleep inside the car.
Police noted significant damage to the vehicle’s steering column, a telltale sign of a rising trend in Kia thefts. “I am aware of a crime trend that 2011-2022 Kias are targeted for theft due to their lack of an engine immobilizer,” the officer stated in the report. Tutorials on social media allegedly provide step-by-step instructions for stealing these vehicles, requiring only a screwdriver and a USB cable.
As officers searched the car, they discovered a screwdriver in the driver’s side door and a backpack containing another screwdriver, a flashlight, and a loaded 9mm handgun with a 10-round magazine, nine rounds of which were loaded. When questioned, Gomez claimed he received the car from a friend but could not provide any contact information for that friend. When asked if he would be surprised to learn the vehicle was stolen, he indicated he would not, acknowledging the broken window.
Gomez later confessed to using the vehicle for approximately two days and ultimately admitted he was “fully aware” that it was stolen. He also claimed ownership of the backpack containing the firearm.
After being read his Miranda rights, Gomez was arraigned in Lowell District Court before Judge John Coffey. He has been ordered to remain in custody without bail pending a 58A dangerousness hearing scheduled for Monday. This hearing will determine if he poses a threat to the community. Gomez faces multiple charges, including improper storage of a firearm, carrying a firearm without a license, and receiving a stolen motor vehicle.
Gomez’s attorney, Martin Ryan, has not commented on the case yet. This incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding vehicle thefts in the area, particularly targeting specific Kia models.
Stay tuned for updates as this story develops. Follow Aaron Curtis on X @aselahcurtis, or on Bluesky @aaronscurtis.bsky.social.
