Mahendra Patel, a 57-year-old man from Georgia, has been released on a $10,000 bond after spending six weeks in jail on charges of attempted kidnapping at a Walmart in the Atlanta area. The accusation stems from a March incident in which he allegedly tried to abduct a 2-year-old child from the child’s mother, Caroline Miller. According to court documents, the confrontation involved a struggle over the child, but surveillance footage released later contradicts Miller’s version of events.
Patel expressed relief at being released, stating he feels optimistic about his situation, emphasizing a positive outlook and the support he has received. Reports indicate that Miller’s child was sitting in her lap in a special shopping cart when Patel purportedly grabbed the toddler. Miller was able to regain control of her child after a brief wrestling match, leading her to feel fearful for both their safety.
Defense attorney Ashleigh Merchant argued that Patel was simply trying to assist Miller, believing she was handicapped and needed help, and had even asked her about the location of Tylenol. Merchant pointed out that surveillance footage shows Patel interacting with Miller and holding the child in what he believed was a supportive manner. Since Patel’s arrest, a petition advocating for his release has garnered over 47,200 signatures.
Despite the ongoing legal issues, Patel looks forward to enjoying home-cooked meals with his family, highlighting his preference for home food over the prison diet. A trial date has not yet been set as Patel continues to fight the charges against him.
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