Woman accused of trying to kidnap child from WA hospital to get mental evaluation
PUYALLUP, Wash. - A woman accused of attempting to kidnap a three-year-old girl from the emergency room at the Good Samaritan Hospital in Puyallup will remain in jail without bail as she undergoes a mental health evaluation.
Sharie Atkins, 45 of unincorporated Pierce County, faces charges of second-degree kidnapping and second-degree assault, after allegedly grabbing the child on Monday afternoon and attempting to leave the hospital. Atkins was absent from her initial court appearance Tuesday, as her public defender, Finis Oh, requested the evaluation.
"I have concerns whether Ms. Atkins will understand the nature of the proceedings against her and whether she’ll be able to assist her attorney," Oh told the court.
Surveillance footage reviewed by police reportedly shows Atkins sitting in front of the girl and her mother in the waiting area. The incident unfolded shortly after 1:00 p.m., when Atkins allegedly picked up the child and began walking toward the exit. She returned briefly to collect her belongings before moving quickly toward the door.
The mother, her friend, and hospital staff quickly intervened. Witnesses described a tense struggle as Atkins reportedly wrapped her arms tightly around the child, leaving red marks on the girl’s skin. Several people worked together to free the child from her grip.
Hospital security detained Atkins until police arrived.
The child suffered minor injuries during the ordeal but was safely reunited with her mother.
Pierce County Judge Philip Thornton determined there was probable cause to proceed with the case and ordered the competency evaluation.
"I will enter a no-bail hold pending that competency evaluation," Judge Thornton said during the hearing.
Atkins, who has two prior felony convictions for assault and resisting arrest, will remain in custody. A follow-up hearing is scheduled for Dec. 24 to review the results of her mental health evaluation.
Police said Atkins’ husband was receiving treatment in the hospital at the time of the incident. Authorities have not disclosed a motive for the alleged abduction.
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