Teenage Chinese Exchange Student Abducted in Utah, Ransom Demanded

Photo by@KSLS/dailymail.co

• 17-year-old Chinese exchange student Kai Zhuang was reportedly 'forcibly taken' from his home in Riverdale, Utah.
• Zhuang's parents in China received photos suggesting his abduction along with a ransom demand.
• The specifics of Zhuang's disappearance, including the suspect's identity and Zhuang's current location, remain unknown.

In a concerning incident reported by James Gordon for Dailymail.com, Utah police have launched a search for Kai Zhuang, a 17-year-old Chinese exchange student.

Zhuang was last seen in the early hours of Thursday morning in Riverdale, a town north of Salt Lake City. The case took a dramatic turn when Zhuang's parents in China reported receiving photographs indicating their son had been abducted, coupled with a demand for ransom.

Riverdale Police Chief Casey Warren provided details during a press conference, revealing that Zhuang's parents contacted his high school after receiving the alarming photos and ransom note. An initial Utah Endangered Missing Persons Advisory suggested Zhuang was forcefully taken from his home and held against his will. However, Warren later indicated that the police now believe Zhuang was not forcibly removed from the residence, contradicting earlier reports.

The host family Zhuang was staying with reported not noticing him missing until later, having last seen him the previous night and possibly hearing him in the early hours of the morning. Zhuang, described as 5ft 9in to 5ft 10in tall and weighing 150 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes, was known to wear a green jacket. The police have not provided a detailed description of what he was last wearing, nor have they offered substantial details about the alleged abduction or potential suspects. The situation's dynamics, including whether the incident involved someone known to Zhuang or his host family, remain unclear. Riverdale Police are urging anyone with information about Zhuang or his whereabouts to contact them.

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