Teens arrested for stealing car, leading police on pursuit from Kyle to Austin

Teens arrested for stealing car in Kyle

Three teens arrested are under arrest for stealing a car and evading police in Kyle, and one is still on the run.

KYLE, Texas - Three teens arrested are under arrest for stealing a car and evading police in Kyle, and one is still on the run. Court records also revealed the driver got out of jail just two days before this incident happened.

On Saturday, Feb. 10, at 4:19 a.m., Kyle police said officers spotted a 2019 Hyundai Elantra that had been reported stolen from the Aidan Apartments on Amberwood South in Kyle.

"One of our officers recognized this car in the parking lot of a convenience store," Kyle Police Assistant Chief Pedro Hernandez said. "We had taken a report earlier that morning that that car had been reported stolen."

When officers attempted to stop the vehicle, the driver took off and led police on a pursuit that ended on Blue Meadow Drive in Austin, where police say they struck multiple unoccupied, parked vehicles before attempting to flee on foot.

"At that time when the vehicle wrecked, several suspects jumped out of the vehicle and officers gave chase on foot," Hernandez said.

Kyle police officers were able to detain three of the four vehicle’s occupants: the driver of the stolen vehicle, 18-year-old Jeremy Christian Cardenas of Kyle, 17-year-old Javier Alejandro Cortez Quintero of Austin, and a 13-year-old juvenile from Austin.

18-year-old Jeremy Christian Cardenas and 17-year-old Javier Alejandro Cortez Quintero.

Warrants are out for the fourth subject, a 16-year-old from Austin.

"Our officers have encountered numerous instances where they're young, 18, 19, 17, 16 years old," Hernandez said.

Hernandez said it’s a cycle for them.

"They'll steal a vehicle, they'll go commit other burglaries of vehicles, usually, and then they dump that vehicle," Hernandez said.

Hernandez said if they come to Kyle and commit those crimes, "We're going to actively pursue them, and we're going to do everything that we can to protect our citizens and their property."

Cardenas and Quintero are facing several charges including Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity.

Kyle police are reminding drivers of certain Hyundais and Kias that they can pick up a free steering wheel lock at the Kyle Public Safety Center, at 1700 Kohlers Crossing, during regular business hours.

To be eligible to receive a free steering wheel lock, you must be a Kyle resident and own one of the following vehicles:

2011-2022 Hyundai Accent
2011-2022 Hyundai Elantra
2013-2017 Hyundai Elantra GT
2013-2014 Hyundai Elantra Coupe
2011-2012 Hyundai Elantra Touring
2011-2014 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
2018-2022 Hyundai Kona
2020-2021 Hyundai Palisade
2011-2012, 2019-2022 Hyundai Santa Fe
2013-2018, 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe; Hyundai Santa Fe XL
2013-2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport
2011-2019 Hyundai Sonata
2011-2022 Hyundai Tucson
2012-2017, 2019-2021 Hyundai Veloster
2020-2021 Hyundai Venue
2011-2012 Hyundai Veracruz
2011-2021 Kia Forte
2021-2022 Kia K5
2011-2020 Kia Optima
2011-2021 Kia Rio
2011-2021 Kia Sedona
2021-2022 Kia Seltoa
2010-2022 Kia Soul
2011-2022 Kia Sorento
2011-2022 Kia Sportage

Hyundai will reimburse drivers who have already purchased a steering wheel lock and own one of these listed vehicles. Call 888-498-0390 for more information.

Police are asking anyone that may have any additional information on this incident to contact the Kyle Police Department at 512-268-3232 or, submit a tip anonymously to the Hays County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-324-TIPS (8477), online at callcrimestoppers.com, or by using the P3 Tips app on your smartphone.

Crime and Public Safety Kyle Austin