Madison County Sheriff Says Playground Incident Was Not Attempted Kidnapping After Investigation

DANIELSVILLE, Ga. – The Madison County Sheriff’s Office says an incident initially reported as an attempted kidnapping at a county playground has been determined not to be an abduction attempt following a detailed investigation.

Deputies responded Wednesday morning, July 22, to the Madison County Recreation Department in the 1300 block of Georgia Highway 98 after receiving a report that an adult man had attempted to kidnap a 3-year-old child from the playground.

According to the initial report, the child’s mother was able to pull the child to safety before returning to her vehicle. A witness told investigators the child had thrown a ball, prompting the parent to briefly retrieve it. After the family returned to their vehicle, the man allegedly followed them and banged on the car door.

Employees at the recreation department witnessed the incident and called 911.

At the time, Sheriff Michael Moore said there was no imminent threat to the public and assured residents that the recreation department remained a safe place for families.

Following additional interviews, a review of surveillance video and consultation with the Madison County District Attorney’s Office, investigators announced Thursday that the evidence did not support an attempted kidnapping.

The suspect was identified as Steven Watts.

According to the sheriff’s office, investigators determined Watts was likely experiencing a mental health crisis and was believed to be under the influence of illegal drugs. Interviews with people who know Watts indicated he had been coming down after using methamphetamine for several days.

Authorities said surveillance video confirmed the events described by the complainant and responding deputies acted appropriately based on the information available at the time. Investigators noted that Watts was still at the scene when deputies arrived but was unable to provide coherent answers because of his level of intoxication.

After reviewing all of the evidence, investigators and prosecutors agreed that the allegations of attempted kidnapping were unfounded.

Watts has been charged with an unrelated misdemeanor Criminal Trespass. He remains in custody on that charge and also has pending probation violation warrants from another jurisdiction.

The sheriff’s office said the complete case file will be submitted to the District Attorney’s Office for further review.