Police said the suspect focused on the child, praised the baby’s appearance and tried to pull away the occupied stroller.
SEATTLE. WA — A 36-year-old man was arrested after a mother reported that he tried to take a stroller containing her child at Pike Place Market, according to Seattle police and local news reports.
Officers were called to the popular downtown market at about 11:25 a.m. Thursday after the woman reported the attempted abduction. Police said the mother prevented the man from leaving with the stroller, and officers later took him into custody.
The encounter reportedly began when the man approached two women who were with the stroller. According to an account of the investigation reported by KING 5, the suspect talked about the baby being beautiful and appeared intensely focused on the women and child.
The man then allegedly grabbed the stroller and tried to pull it away. The child’s mother resisted and fought to maintain control, preventing the stroller from being taken, police said. No injuries to the child or mother were reported in the information available Saturday.
Police arrested the man on suspicion of attempted kidnapping. His name had not been publicly released, and authorities had not announced whether prosecutors had filed a formal criminal charge. An arrest allegation is not a finding of guilt.
The incident occurred in one of Seattle’s busiest public spaces. Pike Place Market draws residents and tourists to its crowded walkways, food stalls and shops near the city’s waterfront. The reported attempt unfolded during the late morning, when visitors and vendors were present in the area.
Authorities had not publicly described whether the suspect knew the mother or child. No verified information was available about a possible motive, and investigators had not announced evidence showing that the encounter had been planned in advance.
The reported comment about the child’s appearance was included in an account of the suspect’s behavior before the alleged attempt. Police had not said that the comment, by itself, established his intent. Investigators were reviewing the full sequence of events and witness information.
The child remained with the mother after the confrontation. Police had not released the child’s name or age, protecting the identity of the minor involved.
The suspect’s custody status and the next scheduled court proceeding were not immediately clear Saturday. The case remained under review as authorities determined what charges, if any, would be filed.
Author note: Last updated July 11, 2026.