ATLANTA, GA (TIP):  A 56-year-old Kennesaw man has been arrested and charged with attempted kidnapping at a Walmart in Acworth. Mahendra Patel was taken into custody on March 21, 2025, after Acworth Police identified him as the suspect in the incident, which took place on March 18 at Walmart located at 3105 Cobb Parkway. According to authorities, Patel approached a mother inside the store, inquired about Tylenol, and then attempted to grab her child. The mother managed to retrieve her child, and Patel fled the scene before law enforcement arrived.

Acworth detectives utilized surveillance footage and FLOCK cameras to identify Patel, leading to his arrest three days later. He has been charged with kidnapping (felony), as well as simple assault and simple battery (both misdemeanors).

Patel is currently being held without bond at the Cobb County Sheriff’s Office. Authorities have not released further details about the incident, and the investigation remains ongoing.