Charges will be refiled against suspects in kidnapping case, Douglas County Attorney says

OMAHA, Neb. —

Douglas County Attorney Don Kleine told KETV that charges will be refiled against the 18- and 19-year-old accused of kidnapping two children.

During a preliminary hearing Monday, a Douglas County judge ruled to drop the case against Juantez Ruffin and James Barnes due to insufficient evidence.

Previous coverage: Kidnapping charges dropped for two accused of forcing kids into car at gunpoint in Omaha

Kleine said he will be direct filing charges in district court for two counts of kidnapping, two counts of child abuse, and one count of use of a gun to commit a felony against Ruffin and Barnes. He said he believes there is probable cause for the charges.

Ruffin and Barnes were arrested in June for allegedly forcing two kids into their car at gunpoint.

Omaha police said Ruffin and Barnes tried to involve the boys in a crime and wouldn’t let them go if they didn’t cooperate.

Investigators said they found an AR-15 rifle in the car.

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