Attempted kidnappers inspired by 'Dazed and Confused'

ANDERSON TOWNSHIP, Ohio, July 19 (UPI) -- Authorities in Ohio said two teen boys who attempted to kidnap an 8-year-old were inspired to do so by the 1993 film "Dazed and Confused."

The incident happened Monday afternoon at Ayer Elementary in Anderson Township, the Cincinnati Enquirer reported.

Police said the teens walked by the elementary school, saw children playing outside, then returned a short while later with a car.

When they returned, one of the suspects walked up to the children and offered them candy, then grabbed the 8-year-old and started carrying him toward the waiting car, said Steve Barnett, Hamilton County sheriff's spokesman.

Friends of the victim ran after the suspect and forced him to drop the boy. The suspect let the 8-year-old go, ran to the car and fled with his accomplice, police said.

The children at the scene told their parents, who alerted police. One witness said he believed one of the teens attended Anderson High and the suspects were later identified through yearbook photos.

Barnett said although police don't know exactly what the teens had in mind, "they were inspired to grab this kid by the movie, 'Dazed and Confused,'" a film in which high school seniors haze younger students.

The teens were arrested Monday night.