Acworth, Georgia— What began as a normal day of shopping turned into a terrifying moment for a mother who thwarted an attempted kidnapping of her child at a Walmart in Acworth, Georgia. The suspect, 56-year-old Mahendra Patel of Kennesaw, has been arrested and charged after allegedly trying to snatch the child during a conversation inside the store.
Key Facts:
- The incident took place on March 18, 2025, at the Walmart Supercenter in Acworth, Georgia.
- Mahendra Patel, 56, of Kennesaw, was arrested three days later.
- He faces charges of felony kidnapping, and misdemeanor assault and battery.
The suspect reportedly approached the mother inside the store pretending to ask about Tylenol. In the middle of the conversation, he allegedly tried to take her child by force. The mother immediately resisted and protected her child, while the suspect fled the store. Thankfully, the child was unharmed.
Local police responded quickly, securing witness accounts and reviewing store surveillance footage. Using traffic camera data and investigative tools, they were able to identify and arrest Patel. He is currently being held without bond at the Cobb County jail and faces serious legal consequences.
The incident has left many in the Indian-American community deeply concerned. Parents and local leaders are urging families to be cautious in public spaces and remain vigilant, especially when approached by strangers. The mother’s quick response has been praised for likely preventing what could have been a devastating outcome.
Do You Know?
Most child abduction attempts occur in public places like parks, parking lots, or stores—and are often prevented by a guardian’s alertness and immediate action.
Key Terms:
- Kidnapping (Felony): Unlawfully taking a person by force or coercion, often with criminal intent.
- Simple Assault: Attempting to cause physical harm or creating fear of such harm.
- Simple Battery: Making unwanted or harmful physical contact with another person.
- FLOCK Cameras: License plate-reading camera systems used by law enforcement to track vehicles.
- Cobb County Jail: The detention center operated by the sheriff’s department for holding those awaiting trial or serving short sentences.