Man tried to grab toddler from Maryland mall playground: police

A man is facing charges after he allegedly tried to abduct a toddler from a playground inside a busy mall in Montgomery County, Maryland, on Friday. 

Jeffery Akame, 32, is accused of attempted kidnapping and second-degree assault.

Police say a 2-year-old and his 8-year-old brother were inside the mall at Colesville Road and Fenton Street in Silver Spring when their mother saw a man watching the children as they played. 

Moments later, the man grabbed the toddler. Authorities said the older brother tried to stop the man before their mother jumped in, taking her sons to safety. The suspect allegedly took off up an escalator. 

The victim’s mother called 911. After police and mall security reviewed surveillance video, they were able to track down the suspect.

A judge ordered Akame held without bond Tuesday.