Judge orders mental health treatment for woman accused of attempted kidnapping at hospital

A judge has mandated that Sharie Atkins undergo 90 days of mental health treatment following her arrest for attempting to kidnap a child from Good Samaritan Hospital in Puyallup, Washington. The incident, which took place on December 9, prompted bystanders to intervene and rescue the child. Court records indicate that Atkins has been diagnosed with unspecified schizophrenia and has a troubling history of substance abuse and unstable behavior, including a recent incident involving vandalism and bizarre claims to law enforcement. After testing positive for fentanyl, concerns have been raised about the relationship between her mental health and substance use. The judge's decision aims to assess her competency to stand trial, underscoring the urgent need for effective mental health services to enhance public safety and prevent future incidents.