A Georgia mother, Caroline Miller, is speaking out after she fought off a man who allegedly attempted to kidnap her 2-year-old son while they were shopping at a Walmart in Acworth, Georgia.
The shocking incident unfolded last week as Miller was inside the store with her two young children. At the time, she was using a motorized cart, which her 4-year-old daughter had wanted to ride.
Miller told media that a man approached her family, asking for help finding Tylenol.
“When I pointed my arm out this way to point to the direction of where it was, that is when he reached down, put both of his hands on Jude, and grabbed him out of my lap,” she recalled.
A Desperate Struggle for Her Son
As the suspect attempted to take her son, Miller fought back.
“I’m like, ‘No, no, no, what are you doing? What are you doing?’” she said. “He pulled him. I pulled him back. We’re tug-of-warring.”
Fortunately, Miller was able to hold onto her son and break free. The suspect then backed off and left the scene, according to police.
“I’m just glad that he’s still home with us,” Miller said.
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Suspect Identified and Arrested
Acworth police responded to the Walmart on March 18 after receiving a report of a man attempting to snatch a juvenile from his mother. Thankfully, the child was not injured during the terrifying ordeal.
After attempting to abduct the child, the suspect paid for the Tylenol at checkout before leaving in a vehicle parked outside, police said.
Detectives quickly launched an investigation, reviewing surveillance footage from both Walmart’s security cameras and Flock safety cameras positioned around the city.
“We were able to see the car he got into, followed the cameras, and used our Flock cameras in the city to get a tag number and track him down,” said Sgt. Eric Mistretta with the Acworth Police Department.
Authorities later identified the suspect as Mahendra Patel, 56, of Kennesaw.
Charges and Ongoing Investigation
Patel was arrested on Friday and charged with kidnapping, simple battery, and simple assault.
He remains in custody at the Cobb County Sheriff’s Office without bond, according to jail records. Currently, no attorney information is listed for Patel.
Mother’s Warning to Other Parents
Following the terrifying ordeal, Miller said she has since spoken to her children about what to do in dangerous situations.
“As much as we would think it would never happen, it will and does, and [we need] to be prepared for when it does,” she told media.
This incident serves as a chilling reminder for parents to remain vigilant while out in public and educate their children on how to react in emergencies.
