Stolen Kia Soul Leads to Pursuit and Arrest in Willis; Suspects Linked to Vehicle Theft Ring Targeting Kias

WILLIS, TX -- On June 11, 2025, deputies from the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office received information of a stolen gray 2017 Kia Soul traveling northbound on I-45. The vehicle had been stolen in Irving, Texas. Deputies attempted a traffic stop on the vehicle, but the driver accelerated rapidly, resulting in a brief pursuit. The vehicle eventually came to a stop near I-45 in Willis, where the three occupants were detained.

The MCSO Auto Theft Task Force arrived on scene to investigate the stolen vehicle. Following the initial investigation, 17-year-old Jamarian Hawkins was arrested for Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle, Evading Detention in a Vehicle, and Possession of a Controlled Substance. Two juvenile passengers were identified as runaways from Irving, Texas, and were taken to the Montgomery County Juvenile Detention Facility.

Further investigation revealed that the suspects had 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 investigation may lead to additional suspects and charges.

The Montgomery County Auto Theft Task Force and the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office want to inform citizens that Kia vehicles have become highly sought-after targets for theft, particularly among young adults due to trends on social media. To help combat this issue, the Task Force has received anti-theft devices from the Hyundai Corporation, which are available for distribution to the public. 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 urges residents to 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.