Lodi police are investigating whether a viral TikTok challenge may have led to a fatal car crash at Peterson Park.
The challenge demonstrates how to steal specific Hyundai and Kia car models without a key, using a USB drive to start the vehicles.
The crash, which resulted in two fatalities, occurred after the driver of the stolen Hyundai collided with a tree, causing the vehicle's roof to be ripped off. Police believe the suspects were part of a group that stole two vehicles and led officers on a chase with their lights off. The pursuit was called off just before the deadly collision.
The owner of the other stolen vehicle, a Kia, expressed disbelief at the situation, with her car still missing. In addition to the fatal crash, the suspects in one of the stolen cars also crashed into parked vehicles on a nearby street, causing a chain reaction that resulted in significant damage to local resident Gannon Shumer's car.
The two victims of the crash have been identified as 21-year-old Jess Bradford, Jr., and 16-year-old Michael Wyrick. Police continue to investigate the potential link between the viral TikTok challenge and the tragic events in Lodi.