Burien man charged after telling family Im taking your kid in foiled kidnapping attempt

A Burien man, Nicholas Joseph Lewis-Ryder, faces a felony charge of attempted kidnapping after an incident at Lake Burien School Memorial Park on May 6, 2025. He allegedly tried to abduct a 1½-year-old boy from a car, confronting the child's grandparents and declaring, "I'm taking your kid. " Lewis-Ryder approached children at the park and attempted to touch them before being rebuffed by adults. His wife informed authorities that he had been experiencing a worsening mental health episode for about a month, and he has a history of bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Prosecutors have requested $150,000 bail, electronic home detention, and conditions prohibiting contact with minors.

He did not attend his initial court appearance due to reported "inappropriate" behavior. The case raises concerns about mental health interventions, especially in serious criminal allegations. His next court date is set for May 21, where he will enter an initial plea.