(KNZA)--Three northeast Kansas girls are safe after a possible kidnapping case turned out to be a hoax.
KQ2 News reports that it all started Thursday afternoon when police say three 8th graders walked out of Riverside School in Elwood. Investigators say the girls then called their parents, disguised their voices, and told them they had been kidnapped.
That call sparked a three-hour search for the girls that involved officers from Wathena and Elwood.
During additional calls, police say the kids disguised their voices again and demanded ransom money from two parents.
At that point, police called the FBI and KBI to help with the investigation.
The girls later turned up safe, spotted in a field near a construction business by members of the Elwood Fire Department. Police say the girls said the scheme was something they made up.
Authorities are now discussing possible charges in the case. The girls are now with their parents.
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