Search for man in possible kidnapping attempt

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. - Investigators are urgently investigating a "possible kidnapping attempt" and are searching for a person of interest in surveillance video released to FOX 5, after Forsyth County deputies said a stranger grabbed a four-year-old boy and tried to run off with him.

Forsyth deputies released surveillance of the terrifying incident inside a Barnes & Noble bookstore at the Collection at Forsyth shopping center. The ordeal happened around 3:30 p.m. Saturday, as investigators said the father of the boy was attempting to pay for a book at the register, when the stranger followed the boy, picked him up and tried to run off with him. The father intervened and the man put the boy down, and the stranger took off.

"The stranger said something to the father, as if  'I thought this was my roommates son, and that's why I picked up your child,'" said Deputy Doug Rainwater.

Investigators said they want to find the man to ask him his motives for grabbing the child.

"Our detectives can reach out, find out what's going on, and come to a conclusion as to whether this was a true kidnapping or mistake on the stranger's part," Rainwater said. 

Tipsters can contact Forsyth investigators at (678) 513-5920.