Macon, Ga. — A traffic stop on a reportedly stolen Kia triggered a brief chase and multiple juvenile arrests Wednesday in Bibb County.
According to the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office, Property Unit investigators and S.R.T. Unit deputies stopped a stolen Kia Optima as part of an investigation when the vehicle suddenly drove away just before the stop could begin.
Authorities said the car later came to a stop and five teenagers exited the vehicle. Investigators reported that one of the juveniles, wearing all black clothing and a ski mask, ran into a nearby wooded area.
Deputies quickly located and detained the teen, returning him to the scene, according to the sheriff’s office.
Investigators said the 15-year-old driver allegedly admitted stealing the Kia earlier from a motel on Riverside Drive before going to school. Authorities said the teen later picked up the other passengers before the traffic stop.
All five teenagers were taken into custody following the incident.
According to the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office, the juveniles were transported first to the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office Annex for processing and then to the Law Enforcement Center for booking.
Officials did not immediately release the identities of the juveniles due to their ages. Charges connected to the stolen vehicle investigation were not detailed in the initial announcement.
The stop occurred near a highway overpass area in Macon, where deputies and investigators were seen securing the vehicle and detaining the suspects.
Incidents involving stolen vehicles and juvenile suspects have drawn increased attention from local law enforcement in recent months, particularly involving Kia and Hyundai models targeted in theft trends.
For students and young commuters traveling through the area, the incident briefly brought a visible law enforcement presence near the roadway.
The investigation remains ongoing, according to the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office.
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