UPDATE: The kidnapping case of Karol Sanchez has taken a turn for the worse. Sources are now saying that she staged the entire kidnapping, with the help of her boyfriend, to get away from her strict mother. Sanchez reportedly said her mother was “overprotective.”
At about 2:33 p.m. on Tuesday (Dec. 17) the NYPD’s 40th Precinct announced that Sanchez had been found, tweeting: “WE HAVE A VICTORY TODAY !! Karol has been found !!! Thank you to all who have worked very hard to track down the people involved in this case!”
Video of the kidnapping went viral on social media as many concerned citizens became concerned for Sanchez’ safety. Her picture had been shared all over every social media platform. Sanchez was walking with her mother around 11:20 p.m. along Eagle Avenue near East 156th Street in Melrose section when a tan four-door sedan pulled up beside them.
Two men jumped out, grabbed the girl and dragged her into the vehicle, police said. They also allegedly knocked her 36-year-old mother to the ground. Police said four men drove off with the victim.
At 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sanchez suddenly showed back up at the scene and turned herself into police as bystanders on the street looked on.
“We was at the pole over there, looking at her picture, and we walked up the block, she was crossing the street to to the the cop car, and I was like ‘Yo, that’s her right there,’” said Tommy Feliciano.
“She was shaken up. She was bending over, grabbing her knees, and discussing with the police. And that’s when they took her into the parking garage for questioning,” Zani Koxha said.
Police are reportedly looking for her accomplices. The New York Police Department wants to talk to all involved before deciding who to charge.