SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA CO. (WOLF) — Scranton police are investigating a stolen vehicle case that escalated into a reported attempted child abduction Tuesday morning, prompting heightened concern near a local school.
Authorities say that around 9:01 a.m., a silver Hyundai Elantra with tinted windows, displaying Pennsylvania license plate LYK1711, was reported stolen from the 500 block of Cedar Avenue. The suspect is described as a male wearing a black face mask.
Following the theft, police received reports of attempted abductions in the 500 block of East Elm Street and in front of South Scranton Intermediate School.
FOX56 News spoke directly with Scranton police, who confirmed that the individual who stole the vehicle also attempted to abduct a child shortly after taking the car. Investigators are treating the incidents as connected.
A be-on-the-lookout (BOLO) alert was issued to area law enforcement at 9:01 a.m., with an update released at 9:24 a.m. as the investigation continued.
Police are asking the public to remain vigilant and to immediately report any sightings of the vehicle or information related to the suspect to authorities.
The investigation remains active.