Atlanta police say 1-year-old was kidnapped during break-in; child recovered and ex-boyfriend arrested

Child recovered after neighborhood search in southwest Atlanta

An Atlanta mother was reunited with her 1-year-old son after police said the child was taken during a break-in at a residence in southwest Atlanta. The suspect, identified by police as the mother’s ex-boyfriend, was arrested and jailed in Fulton County.

Police said the incident began the morning of Jan. 30, 2026, when officers were called to the 300 block of Scott Street SW. The child’s mother told investigators she had received repeated calls from unknown numbers before the man allegedly entered her home through a kitchen window.

The woman reported fleeing to a neighbor for help, while the suspect went upstairs and took the 1-year-old from a bedroom, police said.

Body-camera footage shows moment child was located

Officers conducted a search of the surrounding area for more than an hour before locating the suspect with the child, police said. Body-camera video reviewed by the newsroom shows an officer approaching the pair; the suspect then runs, leaving the child behind. The child fell to the ground but was quickly secured by officers.

Police said the boy was returned to his mother and did not suffer serious injuries.

Police described the child as safely recovered and reunited with his mother shortly after officers made contact.

Arrest made nearby; charges filed

Police said officers found the suspect minutes later in a wooded area behind a nearby home and took him into custody without incident. The suspect was identified as Abe Harold.

Harold was charged with:

• Kidnapping
• Second-degree damage to property
• Second-degree cruelty to children

Jail records and police statements indicated he remained in the Fulton County Jail as of Feb. 20, 2026.

What is confirmed and what remains unknown

Authorities have not publicly released additional details about any prior history between the mother and the suspect beyond describing him as an ex-boyfriend. Police have also not disclosed whether a protective order was in place at the time or whether additional charges could be considered as the investigation continues.

The case remains under investigation by Atlanta police. Anyone with information about the incident is encouraged to contact law enforcement.