Two 'Kia Boys' have been charged in Washington state courts with violent robberies and vehicle thefts

A recent incident in Bellevue has raised concerns about public safety and the need for increased vigilance. The incident occurred last week when a local resident, Sarah Thompson, was walking home from work in the evening. As she was passing through a dimly lit alley, she noticed a suspicious individual lurking in the shadows. Feeling uneasy, Sarah quickly changed her route and alerted the authorities.

This incident serves as a reminder that personal safety should always be a top priority. It is essential to be aware of our surroundings and trust our instincts when faced with potential danger. Sarah’s quick thinking and proactive approach in reporting the incident played a crucial role in ensuring her own safety and the safety of others.

Law enforcement agencies in Bellevue have taken this incident seriously and are working diligently to investigate the matter. They have urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities or individuals they may encounter. This incident highlights the importance of community involvement in maintaining a safe and secure environment.

In addition to relying on law enforcement, there are steps individuals can take to enhance their personal safety. This includes avoiding isolated areas, especially during late hours, and staying in well-lit areas when walking alone. It is also advisable to inform someone of your whereabouts and maintain a charged cell phone in case of emergencies.

The incident in Bellevue serves as a reminder that public safety is a collective responsibility. By working together and staying alert, we can create a safer community for everyone.

Two individuals, who referred to themselves as the “Kia Boys,” made an appearance in court on Wednesday morning. They are facing charges related to numerous felonies, including violent robberies and vehicle thefts that took place in various locations across western Washington.

According to the Bellevue Police Department (BPD), Ardrell Davis, an 18-year-old from Lakewood, is facing charges of five counts of first-degree robbery, one count of unlawful imprisonment, and one count of “taking a motor vehicle without permission in the second degree.”

Ralphe Manuma, a Tacoma resident who is 18 years old, has been charged with five counts of first-degree robbery, one count of unlawful imprisonment, and one count of possession of a stolen vehicle. Due to being held in the Pierce County jail and going through the court process there, Manuma will not be present in the King County court on Wednesday.

The surveillance video captures a suspect, identified as Ralphe Manuma of Tacoma, pointing a pistol at a gas station clerk during a robbery in Bellevue.

On September 19, two gas stations in the Eastgate area of Bellevue experienced robberies. One suspect assaulted a clerk by hitting them on the head with a gun and then fled with cash and merchandise. The Bellevue police were able to establish a connection between these incidents and four other similar robberies that occurred on the same night in Tukwila, SeaTac, White Center, and Burien.

Evidence discovered in the stolen Hyundai played a crucial role in linking the crimes to Manuma and Davis, according to officials.

According to the BPD, both individuals were arrested earlier this month, with Manuma’s bail set at $750,000 and Davis’ bail set at $500,000.

According to the BPD, Manuma has been linked to several robberies in Tacoma.

A row of 2022 Santa Fe SUV’s is seen parked outside a Hyundai dealership in Littleton, Colorado. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski, File)

Davis was found to be engaged in several criminal activities in Pierce County, including possessing a stolen vehicle and evading law enforcement. The BPD revealed a disturbing video showing Davis mocking the victim and her young children while his accomplices took her Kia. In the released footage, Davis can be heard shouting “Kia Boys” as the stolen vehicle speeds off.

Both manufacturers’ vehicles, especially certain models from 2015-2019, were discovered to have a significant vulnerability. This flaw allowed carjackers to easily gain control of the vehicles using just a screwdriver and USB charger. In response to this issue, the companies reached a $200 million settlement in a class action lawsuit with the affected vehicle owners earlier this year. Additionally, they conducted “upgrade clinics” across the United States to provide software updates that would address and eliminate this exploit.

Unfortunately, it seems that these efforts were not enough to prevent a concerning trend that gained popularity on social media, particularly on TikTok. This trend involved teenagers challenging each other to steal vehicles, which became viral in recent times.

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