Misguided Romeo, 16, Stages Own Kidnapping

We all have our own idea of romantic behavior. For some, it’s the prosaic old flowers and candy. And then, of course, there’s always a phony kidnapping.

A 16-year-old Huntington Beach boy may face county jail time for faking his own kidnapping in order to attract a girl he likes.

Shortly after 5 p.m., two men walking near the corner of Beach Boulevard and Heil Avenue heard screams coming from a storm drain, police said.

The men summoned authorities, who found the boy inside tied to a ladder but otherwise in good condition, police said.

The boy, who was not identified because of his age, originally told authorities two men had kidnapped him and left him in the drain, police said.

After a long conversation with a police officer, the boy admitted that a friend had tied him to the ladder at his own request and was supposed to come back after a couple of hours to “rescue” him, police said.

The boy also told police the elaborate scheme was done for the sake of romance.

“We discovered that he was lying in order to impress a girl,” said Lt. Dan Johnson of the Huntington Beach Police Department. “I’m sure he left a lasting impression.”

Sgt. Les Robinson said the investigation is still open and that it is unclear whether the case would be prosecuted.

“The rest of us can think what we want, but he has an emotional reason as to why he did this,” Robinson said. “When the investigation is complete, we will do what is right for him.”

Robinson said the district attorney’s office has been notified of the incident and a decision to prosecute would be made after the case is closed.

The boy, who could face fines as well as time in County Jail if convicted, was sent home with his parents after the incident, police said.

There was no word on whether the girl found the stunt--or the boy--attractive.