Mahendra Patel, a 57-year-old man from Georgia, was released on a $10,000 bond after six weeks in jail, facing charges related to an alleged attempted kidnapping at an Atlanta-area Walmart. The incident occurred in March when Patel purportedly tried to take a 2-year-old child from the child’s mother, 26-year-old Caroline Miller. The charges against him include criminal attempt to commit kidnapping, assault, and battery. Miller claimed that she was in a “tug of war” with Patel over her child; however, surveillance footage suggests a different narrative.
According to the arrest warrant, the child was sitting in Miller’s lap in a special shopping cart when Patel allegedly grabbed the child. Miller managed to regain control after a struggle, fearing for their safety. The footage shows Patel interacting with Miller, who he mistakenly believed was disabled, while attempting to assist her in finding Tylenol. Patel’s attorney, Ashleigh Merchant, emphasized that he intended to help stabilize the toddler, not kidnap him. She argued that the video evidence is clear and supports Patel’s innocence.
Patel, who has garnered significant support online—including over 47,200 signatures on a petition for his release—expressed relief at being out of custody and looked forward to enjoying a home-cooked meal. Although the trial date is not yet set, he remains optimistic about his situation, stating, “I knew we had a team outside helping me.” As the legal proceedings continue, he is determined to maintain a positive outlook.
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