Done.... I had to remove the molding at the bottom that runs along the threshold which exposed the lock system, removed the 2 bolts that hold the lock bar in place to the frame and was able to fee the hatch. Worked on the latch until free and put back together.

My son shut the hatch with the strap of his baseball bag right in the middle of the latching system. The hatch is just shy of closed and will not unlatch. I tried to pull the strap out, no way, it is jammed! If I take apart the inside panel will I be albe to somehow get the latch undone? Thanks Mich...