6 days ago
Charges dropped against man accused of trying to kidnap a toddler at a Walmart
Charges have been dropped against a man accused of attempting to kidnap a 2-year-old boy at a Walmart in Georgia.
Mahendra Patel, of Kennesaw, was arrested and subsequently indicted by a grand jury on attempted kidnapping, battery and assault charges stemming from an incident reported at a Walmart in Acworth on March 18.
On Wednesday, Cobb County prosecutors filed a motion to drop the charges, stating they are "satisfied that the ends of justice have been met" following a meeting with Patel and the toddler's mother, Caroline Miller, earlier this week.
During a hearing Wednesday afternoon, Judge Gregory Poole accepted the motion.
"I believe it's in the court's discretion, and obviously that's fine with me, knowing what I've seen in the matter," Poole said. "I appreciate the state looking into it."
ABC News has reached out to Patel's attorney for comment.
MORE: Man accused of attempted kidnapping of 2-year-old at Georgia Walmart granted bond
The case garnered local and national attention after his attorney, Ashleigh Merchant, released surveillance footage that she said proves his innocence, as Patel remained in custody following his arrest.
Patel was released on $10,000 bond on May 6 after spending more than six weeks in jail.
During a May bond hearing, Merchant said Patel was looking for Tylenol for his mother when he approached Miller for help at the Walmart. Miller was riding in a motorized cart with her two young children at the time, though Merchant noted she is not physically disabled.
Merchant said Patel was offering to hold the toddler while Miller pointed out where the medicine was, and after leaning in to reach for the child, he "immediately backs up" and puts his hands in his pockets when Miller leans back.
MORE: 18-year-old speaks out after alleged kidnapping attempt caught on camera
The prosecutor, Jesse Evans, said during the hearing that Patel was seen in the video tugging on the 2-year-old boy's leg while he was in his mother's lap in what he referred to as a "very bizarre set of circumstances."
Evans said at the time that Miller had been "deferential to the state" regarding the case.
Poole had scheduled a jury trial in the case for Aug. 18, court records show, before the charges were dropped.
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