Teens arraigned on kidnapping charges

Two 16-year-old boys appeared in court Wednesday morning on charges of kidnapping an 8-year-old boy as he played at the Ayer Elementary playground in Anderson Township.

Police say the teens walked past the playground where a group of children were playing wiffle ball on Monday. The teens then returned about 15 minutes later in a car.

One of the teens allegedly lured the boy with promises of candy, while the other teen stayed in the driver's seat. He then allegedly picked up the boy and attempted to put him in the car, but older children at the playground stopped him.

The teens fled the scene in the car, but an older child at the playground recognized one of the teens as an upperclassman at Anderson High School. Police then used a school yearbook to identify the suspect.

Witness descriptions of the car helped lead investigators to the second suspect.

Both teens were arraigned Wednesday morning on kidnapping charges. They are currently being held in juvenile detention.

The case was continued until July, 26 where it will be determined if the two should be tried as adults.

The Hamilton County Sheriff's Office told 9 News that the defendants claimed to be imitating a scene from a movie during the attempted kidnapping.

All names involved are being withheld due to all parties being underage.