Man charged after attempted kidnapping of child in Walmart

In the United States, a distressing incident unfolded on March 18, 2025, at a Walmart store in Acworth, Georgia. Caroline Miller was shopping with her two children, including her two-year-old son, Jude, when a stranger approached her and requested assistance in locating Tylenol. The situation rapidly transpired into a frightening encounter when the unidentified man, later identified as 56-year-old Mahendra Patel, allegedly attempted to snatch Jude from Miller's lap. The mother reacted instinctively, engaging in a struggle with Patel, describing the ordeal as a 'tug-of-war' over her child. Fortunately, Miller was able to reclaim her son after a brief confrontation, and Patel ultimately retreated to purchase the Tylenol before leaving the store. The child was unharmed during the altercation, although the incident left the mother shaken. Following the event, the Acworth Police Department initiated an investigation. They reviewed surveillance camera footage and gathered witness statements to track down and identify Patel, who had left the scene before law enforcement arrived. Three days post-incident, police arrested Patel, charging him with kidnapping, simple battery, and simple assault. He was taken into custody at the Cobb County Adult Detention Center with no bond set. During this time, Walmart expressed its commitment to prioritizing customer safety and announced its cooperation with authorities throughout the investigation. Following the traumatic experience, she emphasized the importance of vigilance and preparedness, noting that although such events seem unlikely, they can and do happen, which is why her children must be equipped to respond appropriately in dangerous situations.