Family of retired police chief killed in Las Vegas files lawsuit against Hyundai and accused teens
Wrongful death suit links fatal hit-and-run to viral TikTok car theft trend
The family of a retired California police chief who was fatally struck while cycling in Las Vegas two years ago has filed a wrongful death lawsuit that could have broader implications for automakers and social media-driven crime.
Andreas “Andy” Probst, 64, was killed on August 14, 2023, while riding his bicycle in a marked lane near Tenaya Way and Centennial Parkway in northwest Las Vegas. The lawsuit names the two teens accused in his death — Jesus Ayala, now 19, and Jzamir Keys, now 18 — as well as Hyundai Motor Company, alleging the automaker’s security failures enabled the tragedy.
The fatal incident
According to prosecutors, Ayala was driving a stolen 2016 Hyundai Elantra with Keys in the passenger seat when they intentionally rammed into Probst. The retired Bell, California police chief, who had served 35 years in law enforcement, died from blunt force trauma.
Police found the abandoned vehicle less than 10 minutes from the crash site near Craig Road and Jones Boulevard, with a screwdriver stuck in its steering column — evidence of the theft method that has plagued certain Hyundai and Kia models.
The TikTok connection
The lawsuit alleges Ayala and Keys stole the vehicle using what’s become known as the “TikTok method” or “Kia Challenge” — a viral trend that began circulating on social media in 2021. The method exploits a security vulnerability in certain Hyundai and Kia models manufactured without engine immobilizers, allowing thieves to start vehicles using common USB cables or screwdrivers after breaking into the steering column.
This social media-fueled theft epidemic has resulted in a staggering 1000% increase in thefts of affected models since 2020, according to recent reports. The trend has been linked to at least 14 crashes and eight fatalities nationwide, prompting a $200 million class-action settlement against the automakers in 2023.
Legal arguments and manufacturer response
The Probst family’s attorneys argue that Hyundai’s “design decision” to manufacture vehicles without standard anti-theft devices created a foreseeable risk. The lawsuit states: “A vehicle that can be easily stolen is a safety risk because, once stolen, it is foreseeable that the vehicle will be driven in a dangerous and reckless manner.”
Hyundai has since implemented several measures to address the vulnerability:
- Free anti-theft software upgrades for nearly 4 million affected vehicles
- Distribution of steering wheel locks through law enforcement
- Installation of engine immobilizers in all vehicles manufactured after November 2021
The company declined to comment specifically on the Probst lawsuit but emphasized their ongoing efforts to combat vehicle theft through software updates and security enhancements.
Criminal proceedings
Both Ayala and Keys remain in custody at the Clark County Detention Center without bail, facing murder charges. The criminal trial was scheduled to begin in January 2025, though court records indicate attorneys are discussing a possible settlement.
Ayala faces additional charges in three other cases, including robbery with a deadly weapon and involvement in a jail fight. Recent court documents show Ayala was found unfit to stand trial and has been moved to a secure psychiatric facility for evaluation and treatment.
Broader implications
The lawsuit demands a jury trial and seeks damages exceeding the standard $15,000 minimum in Nevada civil cases. Crystal Probst, the victim’s widow, along with children Taylor and Michael Probst, are pursuing compensation for wrongful death and negligence.
The case highlights the intersection of corporate responsibility, social media influence, and public safety. As automakers grapple with rapidly evolving security threats amplified by viral trends, this lawsuit could set precedents for manufacturer liability in the age of social media-driven crime.
The tragic death of Andreas Probst serves as a stark reminder of how design vulnerabilities, when exploited through social media, can have fatal consequences far beyond property crime.
Image Sources: https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/las-vegas-family-sues-hyundai-191244283.html
Category: Local News
Subcategory: Crime & Safety
Date: 08/06/2025
