URGENT UPDATE: An 18-year-old Lowell man, identified as Oziel Gomez, was arrested early this morning after police found him asleep behind the wheel of a stolen 2019 Kia Forte in Lowell, Massachusetts. The incident occurred shortly before 2:30 a.m. near Elm and Linden streets, where police discovered a loaded 9mm handgun inside the vehicle.
Authorities report that a Lowell police officer grew suspicious upon spotting the parked Kia, which had its headlights on and was covered with a moving blanket over a smashed rear window. The officer noted a surge in reports concerning the thefts of Kia vehicles, leading to a license plate check that confirmed the vehicle was reported stolen from a 27-year-old Lowell woman.
Upon further investigation, additional officers responded to the scene and found Gomez asleep in the driver’s seat. Reports indicate the car’s steering column was “destroyed,” a common trait among a rising trend of Kia thefts. An officer stated, “I am aware of a crime trend that 2011-2022 Kias are targeted as motor vehicles to steal due to the lack of an engine immobilizer.”
In a shocking revelation, tutorial videos on platforms like YouTube and social media allegedly provide step-by-step instructions on how to steal these vehicles with just a screwdriver and a USB cable. A screwdriver was reportedly found inside the vehicle, adding to the evidence against Gomez.
When questioned, Gomez claimed he received the car from a friend but could not provide contact information for that individual. He expressed awareness of the vehicle’s stolen status, admitting, “I think so,” when asked if he knew the car was reported stolen.
A search of Gomez’s backpack uncovered another screwdriver, a flashlight, and the loaded handgun, which had a 10-round magazine containing nine rounds. After being read his rights, Gomez acknowledged ownership of the backpack and the firearm.
Gomez was arraigned in Lowell District Court before Judge John Coffey and is currently being held without bail pending a 58A dangerousness hearing scheduled for Monday. This hearing will determine if he poses a threat to the community. He faces multiple serious charges, including improper storage of a firearm, carrying a firearm without a license, receiving a stolen motor vehicle, and possession of ammunition without a firearm identification card.
The community is urged to stay informed as this case develops. For breaking updates, follow Aaron Curtis on X @aselahcurtis or on Bluesky @aaronscurtis.bsky.social.
