Erie Man Convicted in String of Vehicle Thefts

Tavion Salter and two teens accused of stealing Kia models and other cars last summer.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 9:25am

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A 20-year-old Erie, Pennsylvania man named Tavion Salter has been convicted for his role in a rash of vehicle thefts that occurred in the city in late summer 2023. Salter was accused along with two 17-year-old accomplices of stealing eight vehicles, primarily Kia models, and attempting to steal additional cars during that period.

Why it matters

The case highlights the rise of the 'Kia Challenge' social media trend that has led to a spike in thefts of certain Kia and Hyundai models across the country due to a security vulnerability. Erie has also seen an overall increase in property crimes in recent years, making vehicle theft a persistent public safety concern.

The details

According to authorities, Salter and the two juveniles were responsible for stealing eight vehicles, mostly Kia models, and attempting to steal additional cars in Erie over the course of several weeks in late summer 2023. The thefts were part of the broader 'Kia Challenge' trend that has emerged on social media, exploiting a security flaw in certain Kia and Hyundai vehicles that makes them easy to steal using only a USB cable.

  • The vehicle thefts occurred in late summer 2023.
  • Salter was convicted on March 31, 2026.

The players

Tavion Salter

A 20-year-old Erie, Pennsylvania resident who was convicted for his role in stealing multiple vehicles, mostly Kia models, as part of the 'Kia Challenge' trend.

Kia

An automotive manufacturer whose vehicles were targeted in the 'Kia Challenge' trend due to a security vulnerability that made them easy to steal using only a USB cable.

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What they’re saying

“The 'Kia Challenge' has become a major problem for law enforcement and vehicle owners across the country. We must hold those responsible accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”

— Chief Dan Spizarny, Erie Police Department

What’s next

Salter is scheduled to be sentenced on April 15, 2026. The two 17-year-old accomplices will be tried separately in juvenile court.

The takeaway

This case underscores the need for automakers to address security vulnerabilities in their vehicles, as well as the importance of strict enforcement and prosecution to deter the growing 'Kia Challenge' trend that has led to a surge in vehicle thefts in communities across the country.