Teenager might have staged kidnapping because she didn’t want to move

The 16-year-old Bronx girl who was reportedly kidnapped late Monday night could have staged the kidnapping after her mother discussed moving the family back to her native Honduras, police sources said.

Karol Sanchez knew at least one of the four men who allegedly “kidnapped” her, according to CNN. No further details or motive were provided.

READ MORE: Teen, who prompted citywide Amber Alert, confesses she staged her own kidnapping

Karol and her 36-year-old mother were walking near 745 Eagle Avenue, which is about a mile east of Yankee Stadium in The Bronx when two men reportedly jumped out of a beige-colored sedan and snatched the teenager and dragged her into the car. The mother was pushed to the ground trying to save her daughter, New York Police initially said. The incident happened about 11:30 p.m. Monday night as the mom and her daughter headed to a train station on Jackson Avenue.

The incident was captured on video and by Tuesday morning, police had issued an Amber Alert warning that “the child was taken under circumstances that lead police to believe that they are in imminent danger of serious harm and/or death.”

Even New York Mayor Bill de Blasio got involved, taking to Twitter to plead with the public for help in finding Karol, and promising to solve this case.

“To Karol Sanchez’s family and loved ones, know that the NYPD will not rest until she’s found — and her kidnappers are brought to justice,” he tweeted.

New York City, we need your help:

If you have ANY information on the whereabouts of Karol Sanchez, contact the NYPD IMMEDIATELY.

To Karol Sanchez’s family and loved ones, know that the NYPD will not rest until she’s found — and her kidnappers are brought to justice. https://t.co/tlVM39HZGu

— Mayor Bill de Blasio (@NYCMayor) December 17, 2019

 On Thursday, two police sources tell CNN that it appears to be all a hoax. Sanchez’s mother had recently talked about moving her family back to Honduras and police are now investigating whether this could have prompted the staged kidnapping.

READ MORE: Suspect arrested in kidnapping of UFC fighter’s stepdaughter

On Tuesday afternoon, Sanchez was found safe. Law enforcement sources told CNN Sanchez walked to an address where her family was and police were called and picked her up for questioning.