Missouri woman waives right to jury in doorbell prank kidnapping case

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A 31-year-old woman accused of threatening and kidnapping a boy involved in a doorbell prank has waived her right to a jury trial.

The Springfield News-Leader reports Ashley Crossland has instead opted for a bench trial, in which a judge will decide if she is or isn’t guilty.

She’s been charged with several felonies, including kidnapping and armed criminal action.

According to police, several boys last January were ringing doorbells, then running away from the houses. When Crossland came outside, the boys took off in opposite directions.

One boy says he was walking away when a van attempted to run him over. He says the driver, later identified as Crossland, demanded he get inside or she would cut him.

Authorities say Crossland later dropped the boy off at a house where he and the other boys were staying for the night.

This story was originally published February 3, 2015 at 7:33 AM with the headline "Missouri woman waives right to jury in doorbell prank kidnapping case."