Mahendra Patel, as per the Patel family, was in search of Tylenol at a Walmart in Georgia two months ago when he approached a woman with two children. The woman was on a motorized cart and he sought her help to locate the medication, as stated by his lawyer. The woman later claimed that Patel grabbed her 2-year-old son, which led to a confrontation where she pulled the child back. Subsequently, Patel was indicted by a grand jury on charges of attempted kidnapping and has been held in custody in Cobb County, Georgia for over 40 days without bail.
However, Patel’s attorney presents a different account supported by surveillance footage. According to the lawyer, Patel was simply ensuring the safety of the boy who was on the scooter that had apparently hit a store display. The lawyer, Ashleigh Merchant, emphasized that the video evidence clearly shows that there was no attempted kidnapping or struggle between Patel and the woman.
As a bond hearing approaches, Merchant asserts Patel’s innocence, pointing to the video obtained from Walmart as evidence. Efforts to reach the accuser, Caroline Miller, for comment have been unsuccessful. Miller’s family member informed CNN that she preferred not to comment on the case when contacted.
The incident occurred on March 18 at a Walmart in Acworth, Cobb County, with security camera footage capturing the interaction between Patel and Miller. The video shows Patel engaging in conversation with Miller, asking for directions to the Tylenol. At one point, Patel appears to reach towards the child in Miller’s lap, leading to a brief moment where it seems like he lifts something. However, Miller immediately reacts and the exact circumstances, including whether the child was in danger of falling or if the cart hit anything, are obscured from view due to Patel’s positioning blocking the camera.
A man nearby briefly looks towards the scene but does not intervene before turning back. Following the incident, Miller gestures in a direction, and Patel walks off camera. Additional details from the video, along with the allegations made by Miller and the authorities, are being disputed by Patel’s defense attorney.
The case remains under scrutiny as conflicting narratives emerge from the surveillance footage and testimonies involved.
The incident unfolded swiftly as described by witnesses. Miller recounted how Patel allegedly grabbed the boy from her lap, prompting a tug-of-war situation. However, Merchant, Patel’s attorney, disputed this account, stating that Patel only leaned in to prevent the child from falling after the scooter reportedly hit a display. Merchant emphasized that there was no aggressive behavior involved.
Despite Miller’s silence on the matter, Merchant clarified Patel’s actions based on surveillance footage. The video showed Patel briefly interacting with Miller and another man, intervening when the scooter inadvertently hit the child’s leg. Subsequently, Patel engaged in a civil conversation with the man before moving on.
Approximately four minutes later, Patel encountered Miller again, showing her a pack of Tylenol he had found. Miller responded positively, and Patel walked away. Subsequent footage captured Miller speaking with a Walmart employee, while Patel was seen purchasing the Tylenol.
The situation escalated when Miller reported the incident to a Walmart employee, alleging that Patel had tried to grab her child. This led to police intervention, resulting in Patel’s arrest three days later. The authorities, after reviewing security footage and witness statements, confirmed the events that transpired at the store.
Walmart refrained from commenting on the specific incident but provided relevant information as part of the incident report.
Walmart stated that they were cooperating with the investigation, emphasizing that customer and associate safety is a top priority. The statement mentioned that they will continue to work with the police and directed any further inquiries to them. Patel, who has not yet had a probable cause hearing, was indicted by a grand jury on charges of criminal attempt to commit kidnapping, simple assault, and simple battery on April 3, according to court documents cited by Merchant. Despite a scheduled bond hearing, Patel remains in jail as the district attorney has not agreed to a bond and they have not been able to appear before a judge. A Change.org petition has been started to advocate for dropping the charges against Patel, describing him as a valuable member of the Indian-American community. The incarceration has taken a toll on Patel’s family, including his two daughters and elderly mother, as they struggle to manage their business and care for his mother. CNN’s Nick Valencia contributed to this report. To stay updated on more CNN news and newsletters, you can create an account at CNN.com.
