UPDATE: An 18-year-old man was arrested early this morning in Lowell after police discovered him asleep behind the wheel of a stolen 2019 Kia Forte with a loaded handgun inside. The incident unfolded shortly before 2:30 a.m. near the intersection of Elm and Linden streets.
Authorities report that officers became suspicious when they noticed the vehicle idling with its headlights on, covered by a moving blanket over a smashed rear window. A license plate check confirmed the vehicle had been reported stolen from a 27-year-old Lowell woman.
Upon approach, police found the driver, later identified as Oziel Gomez, still inside the vehicle. The steering column had been “destroyed,” aligning with a concerning trend of Kia thefts linked to vulnerabilities in models from 2011-2022. Reports indicate that thieves can exploit these models using just a screwdriver and a USB cable.
Police discovered a screwdriver tucked inside the driver’s side door, and Gomez admitted he had been using the stolen vehicle for approximately two days. When questioned, he claimed he received the Kia from a friend but could not provide any contact information for that individual. The officer noted that Gomez expressed he wouldn’t be surprised if the vehicle was stolen, citing the broken window as a clue.
A subsequent search of a backpack found in the vehicle revealed another screwdriver, a flashlight, and a 9mm handgun loaded with nine rounds. After being read his Miranda rights, Gomez confessed he was “fully aware” that the vehicle was stolen and acknowledged ownership of the backpack containing the firearm.
Gomez was arraigned in Lowell District Court before Judge John Coffey, where he was ordered held without bail pending a 58A dangerousness hearing scheduled for Monday. This hearing will assess whether Gomez poses a threat to the community as the case progresses.
He now faces multiple charges, including improper storage of a firearm, carrying a firearm without a license, and receiving a stolen motor vehicle. His attorney, Martin Ryan, has not yet commented on the situation.
This alarming incident highlights ongoing issues with Kia thefts and raises urgent concerns about community safety. Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding this case.
For the latest updates, follow Aaron Curtis on X @aselahcurtis, or on Bluesky @aaronscurtis.bsky.social.
