UPDATE: An 18-year-old man, identified as Oziel Gomez, was arrested early Wednesday morning in Lowell, MA, after police discovered him asleep behind the wheel of a stolen 2019 Kia Forte with a loaded handgun inside. The incident unfolded just before 2:30 a.m. near Elm and Linden streets, raising alarming concerns about escalating vehicle thefts in the area.
Police grew suspicious when they spotted the parked Kia, which had a moving blanket covering a damaged rear window. A license plate check confirmed that the vehicle had been reported stolen from a 27-year-old Lowell woman. Upon arrival, officers found Gomez asleep in the driver’s seat, prompting immediate action.
The investigation revealed that the car’s steering column had been severely damaged, a sign consistent with a troubling trend in Kia thefts. According to an officer’s report, models from 2011-2022 are particularly targeted due to their lack of engine immobilizers, making them easy to steal using just a screwdriver and USB cable.
Inside the vehicle, police found a screwdriver in the driver’s side door, further implicating Gomez in the crime. When questioned, he claimed he had borrowed the car from a friend but could not provide any contact information for that individual. When asked if he would be surprised to learn the vehicle was stolen, he admitted he would not, citing the broken window as a clue.
A search of a backpack in the vehicle revealed another screwdriver, a flashlight, and a 9mm handgun loaded with nine rounds. After being read his Miranda rights, Gomez confessed to using the car for about two days, later acknowledging he was aware of its stolen status. He also admitted ownership of the backpack containing the firearm.
Gomez was arraigned in Lowell District Court before Judge John Coffey and is being held without bail pending a 58A dangerousness hearing set for Monday. This crucial hearing will determine if he poses a threat to the community as his case progresses. He faces multiple charges, including improper storage of a firearm, carrying a firearm without a license, and receiving a stolen motor vehicle.
Authorities are emphasizing the urgent need for community awareness regarding vehicle thefts, particularly targeting Kias. The theft of these vehicles has become a widespread issue, with tutorials available online detailing how to bypass their security measures.
As the case develops, local residents are urged to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers associated with vehicle theft and the firearms involved in such crimes.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story. Follow Aaron Curtis on X @aselahcurtis or on Bluesky @aaronscurtis.bsky.social for the latest information.
