Charges Dropped Against Georgia Man Accused of Attempted Walmart Kidnapping After Video Evidence Emerges
ACWORTH, Ga. – All charges have been dismissed against a Georgia man accused of attempting to kidnap a child at a Walmart, after surveillance footage raised significant doubts about the allegations.
Mahendra Patel was arrested following a March 18 incident at a Walmart in Acworth, about 30 miles northwest of Atlanta. A mother, Caroline Miller, claimed Patel tried to grab her 2-year-old son while she shopped with her children on a motorized cart.
Defense: He Was Preventing a Fall
Patel’s attorney, Ashleigh Merchant, argued that video evidence from Walmart showed Patel was actually trying to prevent the child from falling after the cart clipped a store display. Merchant said Patel had approached Miller earlier to ask for help finding Tylenol.
Prosecutors initially charged Patel with criminal attempt to commit kidnapping, simple assault, and simple battery. He spent 45 days in Cobb County Jail before being released on bond in May, after Merchant presented the video footage to the court and media.
Public Pressure and Petition
The case drew widespread attention after the video surfaced, prompting over 90,000 people to sign an online petition supporting Patel’s innocence and calling for his release. While the footage was grainy and partially obstructed, it contradicted claims that Patel grabbed the child and ran.
Court records show prosecutors filed a motion to dismiss the case on Wednesday, formally clearing Patel of all charges.
Patel Speaks Out
Speaking to CNN affiliate WXIA after the hearing, Patel said:
“I feel relieved, to be honest with you. This thing was hanging over my head for a long time and our family went through a lot of hell. But today is a day of celebration and I’m thankful that I’m out.”
Merchant credited the video evidence for the dismissal, adding that the case highlights how false accusations can lead to wrongful arrests without thorough investigation.
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