Teen confesses to staging kidnapping that prompted Amber Alert, officials confirm

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BRONX, N.Y. — The Bronx teenager who was apparently kidnapped in front of her mother Monday night has confessed to staging the abduction that prompted an Amber Alert Monday, multiple news outlets reported.

Here are the latest updates:

Updated 6 a.m. EST Dec. 18: The New York Times and CBS New York are reporting Karol Sanchez, 16, confessed to authorities she staged her kidnapping. Officers from the 40th precinct reportedly took her confession before releasing her to her family. One police official told The New York Times Karol described her mother as “overprotective” during her interview.

Update 6:05 p.m. Dec. 17: CBS New York and ABC7, along with The New York Times are reporting that authorities are investigating whether the teen staged the kidnapping. No charges against the teen have yet been filed as the investigation continues. Sanchez was questioned by police and released to her family, The New York Times reported. An NYPD official told the New York Times that the girl may have been upset as the family considered a move to their native Honduras.

Update 2:39 p.m. Dec. 17: Police said Karol Sanchez has been found.


Original report: Police said a beige four-door sedan pulled up along the sidewalk Karol Sanchez and her mother were walking on. Two men jumped from the car and dragged the 16-year-old into the vehicle, knocking the girl’s mother down in the process, WCBS reported.

There were two other men in the car, WCBS reported.

The kidnapping was caught on camera, WNBC reported.

An Amber Alert has been issued.