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WILKES-BARRE TWP. — A vehicle stolen at the Wyoming Valley Mall after a 15-year-old boy inside was forcibly removed was recovered hours later in Hazle Township, police report.
Township officers said the Audi Q7 was located by State Police at Hazleton at about midnight Tuesday.
A woman, believed to be the Audi’s owner, was at the township police department Tuesday morning. She refused comment.
Police said the vehicle was processed and returned to the owner.
The teen boy was sitting inside the Audi — near the JC Penney’s entrance — as it was idling about 3 p.m. Monday. Meanwhile, the mother was inside the mall.
An unidentified man, described as a heavyset Hispanic, opened the passenger-side door and grabbed the teen around the throat, removing the boy from the vehicle before driving off.
Police said the boy was not injured.
Authorities have not released any information on a suspect or a motive, but they are still investigating.