Woman accused of attempted kidnapping at Puyallup hospital

In a shocking incident at Good Samaritan Hospital in Puyallup, Washington, Sharie Atkins, 45, was arrested for attempting to kidnap a three-year-old girl from the emergency room. Surveillance footage revealed that Atkins sat near the girl and her mother before allegedly picking the child up and trying to leave the hospital. Witnesses described a chaotic scene as hospital staff intervened, resulting in minor injuries to the child during the struggle. Atkins, who has prior felony convictions for assault and resisting arrest, was absent from her initial court appearance, prompting her public defender to request a mental health evaluation. Pierce County Judge Philip Thornton ordered a no-bail hold pending the evaluation, highlighting concerns about Atkins' understanding of the legal proceedings.

A follow-up hearing is scheduled for December 24 to discuss the evaluation results. The incident has raised questions about the motives behind the attempted abduction, as Atkins' husband was receiving treatment at the hospital at the time. This case has garnered significant local attention, reflecting community concerns about safety in healthcare settings.