RPD: Stolen Kia intentionally crashes into smoke shop on Norton Street

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Rochester Police say a stolen Kia intentionally crashed through the doors of a smoke shop on Monday morning on the city’s north side.

Our photojournalist on the scene saw the abandoned car inside the shop on Norton Street near Mitchell Street. The business’s door was shattered.

Officers responded around 12:45 a.m. after getting reports of the crash and didn’t find anyone at the scene. RPD says the car was reported stolen from the city. RPD is following up on several leads and is asking anyone with information to call 911.

Local leaders have raised alarms about an increase in thefts for Kia and Hyundai models because of how-to videos circulating on social media. Leaders also say the two automakers failed to add proper anti-theft technology, making the cars easy to hotwire with a USB cable.