4 charged in kidnapping attempt

Charges have been filed against four people accused of planning to kidnap a female student at Kearns High School on Nov. 12.

Two 18-year-old men, an 18-year-old woman and a 20-year-old man were charged Wednesday with one count each of aggravated kidnapping, a first-degree felony. One of the 18-year-old men, the alleged victim's ex-boyfriend, was also charged with one court of possession or use of a dangerous weapon by a restricted person, a third-degree felony.

Police believe the kidnapping was part of an elaborate plot the four defendants and one juvenile had hatched the night before. The ex-boyfriend later told police he had intended to take the girl to Mexico.

According to the charges, three people drove up to the girl as she approached the school. The ex-boyfriend yelled, "Get in the car or I'll shoot," the charges state. She ignored him, so he got out of the car and pulled a knife, according to the document.

A witness in the parking lot saw the struggle, went into the school and told two assistant principals. When they came out of the school, the girl, who was then being held at knifepoint, was able to escape and the ex-boyfriend got into the car, which then sped away, the charges state.

The girl was treated and released at a local hospital for bruises and small cuts on her neck and chest.