Acworth, GA — All charges have been dismissed against Mahendra Patel, a man who had faced attempted kidnapping, simple assault, and simple battery charges after a woman accused him of trying to snatch her toddler at a Georgia Walmart. Court records show the case was officially dropped after newly revealed security footage prompted widespread public support and a reexamination of the evidence.
March 18 Incident Sparked Immediate Arrest
The incident occurred on March 18 at a Walmart in Acworth, roughly 30 miles northwest of Atlanta, when 26-year-old Caroline Miller was riding a motorized shopping cart with her two young children. She alleged that Patel tried to grab her 2-year-old son from her lap, but she quickly pulled him back.
According to Patel’s attorney, Ashleigh Merchant, her client had simply asked Miller for help finding Tylenol, and reached out only to make sure the child didn’t fall after the scooter clipped a store display.
“The only reason this case was resolved in our favor was because we were able to obtain the video proving our client was innocent from Walmart,” Merchant said, according to CNN.
Held 45 Days Despite Video Evidence
Patel was indicted by a Cobb County grand jury on April 3 and spent 45 days in jail before being released on $10,000 bond in early May. His lawyer submitted a compilation of Walmart surveillance footage that showed Patel interacting briefly with Miller before continuing shopping and eventually checking out normally.
The footage, while somewhat grainy, clearly contradicted claims of an attempted abduction, Merchant argued. Public reaction was swift — over 90,000 people signed a petition supporting Patel’s innocence and calling for his release.
What the Footage Showed
- Patel is seen talking to Miller and reaching toward the child.
- Six minutes later, he is seen paying for his purchases and calmly exiting after stopping to talk with a store employee for over 20 seconds.
- No evidence showed him fleeing or attempting to leave with the child.
While prosecutors initially argued that the video showed Patel “grabbing the child and fleeing the scene,” the court ultimately agreed to dismiss the charges this week.
Patel and His Family Speak Out
Following the court’s decision, Patel told CNN affiliate WXIA:
“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.”
Attorney Calls for Systemic Reforms
Merchant emphasized that this case highlights broader issues with the justice system:
“Our system needs to be aware that innocent people are falsely accused on a daily basis. Without police willing to investigate before rushing to judgment, judges willing to release people on bond while awaiting an investigation, and prosecutors willing to provide transparency with evidence, this will continue to happen.”
As of now, Patel is free, and the case is closed — but civil rights advocates say the incident raises serious concerns about bias, due process, and the presumption of innocence.
What do you think about the justice system’s handling of this case? Share your thoughts in the comments.
