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Metro Atlanta police departments team up with Hyundai to provide free software updates to owners

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Metro Atlanta police departments team up with Hyundai to provide free software updates to owners


ATLANTA — Criminals stole nearly 2,000 Hyundai and Kias in the city of Atlanta, just in the last year.

The Atlanta Police Department said stolen cars lead to more crimes. Channel 2′s Wendy Corona explains how they are offering a solution.

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A social media craze exposed a glitch in Hyundai and Kia software and criminals in Atlanta took notice.

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In 2023 thieves stole nearly 1,800 Kias and Hyundais and 200 of those had guns left inside at the time.

“These vehicles are being stolen for crimes of opportunity. They are being used to commit more crimes,” said APD Sgt. Andrew Fincher.

Atlanta police say they recovered 93% of the cars stolen last year. During that time the department handed out free steering wheel locks.

A temporary remedy to the issue.

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Departments across the metro area did the same. Channel 2 Action News was there as MARTA, DeKalb County police and East Point police handed out the locks to its residents.

But, access to the new software is not easy for many, even though it’s free.

There’s no Hyundai dealership within the Atlanta city limits. That’s part of the reason why the Atlanta Police Department is partnering with Hyundai and the Greenbriar Mall in southwest Atlanta.

“Guests’ experiences start well before they walk through our front doors,” Ariel Jones of Greenbriar Mall said.

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Software installations will happen in the old Macy’s parking lot, and it’s free.

Police say they need the community to step up, show up and help prevent crime.

“If you own a Hyundai come out to Greenbriar. If you know someone who owns a Hyundai tell them to come out to Greenbriar,” APD Commander Antonio Clay said.

“We don’t want to just catch them. We want to prevent it from happening,” Fincher said.

The event runs through Sunday from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. Again, there’s no appointment needed and no cost.

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Atlanta, GA

1 teenage girl killed, another injured in shooting at Piedmont Park, police say

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1 teenage girl killed, another injured in shooting at Piedmont Park, police say


Editor’s note: The video above is from an earlier report.

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — A teenage girl was killed and another was injured in a shooting at Piedmont Park on Saturday night, according to Atlanta police.

The shooting prompted a large police response to the Midtown Atlanta park around 9 p.m., soon after a festival there celebrating the city’s 404 Day, which drew thousands of people, wrapped up.

Upon arrival, officers located two girls with gunshot wounds.

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Paramedics pronounced one victim, a 16-year-old, dead at the scene. Her identity has not been released.

The second victim, a 15-year-old, was alert, conscious and breathing, and was taken to the hospital, police said.

Soon after the incident, a witness told Atlanta News First that hundreds of people took off running after dozens of shots were fired.

Police said the park’s permitted 404 Day festival concluded around 7:45 p.m.

“At this time, there is no information indicating that the shooting is connected to that event,” police said.

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Instead, the department’s “preliminary investigation indicates the incident stemmed from an unpermitted gathering that occurred near the far west end of the park,” the opposite side of the park from where the festival was being held, police said.

Earlier, a witness told Atlanta News First there was also a “teen takeover” event in the park Saturday night.

There is a large police presence at Piedmont Park on Saturday night.

Officers were seen gathered around Lake Clara Meer in the heart of the park.

Police shut down surrounding streets, and video captured an ambulance at 12th Street NE and Piedmont Avenue, at the southwest corner of the park.

Police have not announced suspects.

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This is a developing story. Check back with Atlanta News First for updates.



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Atlanta, GA

Driver dies after head-on crash with MARTA bus in NW Atlanta

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Driver dies after head-on crash with MARTA bus in NW Atlanta


A driver died on April 4, 2026, after colliding head-on with a MARTA bus in northwest Atlanta. (FOX 5) 

A Jeep driver died in the hospital Saturday morning after their SUV crossed into oncoming traffic and hit a MARTA bus in northwest Atlanta.

What we know:

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Atlanta police responded to the crash around 8:14 a.m. near 266 Hamilton E. Holmes Drive NW.

When they arrived, they discovered a MARTA bus, and a Jeep Patriot had collided head-on. 

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The driver of the Jeep Patriot was rushed to the hospital in critical condition and later died from their injuries. 

No one on the bus was reportedly injured, police said, 

Investigators said that the Jeep Patriot had crossed into the opposing travel lane when it crashed into the MARTA bus. 

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An investigation is ongoing. 

What we don’t know:

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Authorities have not yet released the name of the driver who died. 

It also remains unclear why the Jeep traveled into the opposing lane of traffic before the impact.

The Source: Information in this report comes from the Atlanta Police Department. 

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Atlanta, GA

Atlanta gears up for 404 Day 2026

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Atlanta gears up for 404 Day 2026


Atlanta is set to celebrate its rich culture and global influence this Saturday with a massive lineup of 404 Day events, including a downtown parade, a 5K run, and a music festival at Piedmont Park.

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