Wilmer man arrested after alleged kidnapping attempt

UPDATE: The Mobile County Sheriff’s Office said Paul Patrick Samson’s charges have been upgraded to first degree aggravated kidnapping.

During Wednesday’s bond hearing, Samson received a $30,000 bond with a $5,000 cash component.

The DA’s office says if Samson makes bond, Samson will have to wear an ankle monitor. He’ll only be allowed to go to work, home and meet his lawyer and doctor.

As of Wednesday evening, Samson remained in Mobile County Metro Jail.

---

WILMER, Ala. (WALA) - The Mobile County Sheriff’s Office arrested a Wilmer man in connection with the alleged attempted kidnapping of a child.

Deputies were called to the incident on Danner Road in Wilmer on Sunday. According to authorities, the child’s mother said she saw Paul Patrick Samson trying to entice her child to leave with him. Mobile County Sheriff Paul Burch said Samson tried to offer the child ice cream. When that didn’t work, Sheriff Burch says he allegedly grabbed the girl and planned to take her with him. The mother then reportedly ran to the child and pulled her from Samson’s grip, according to sheriff’s office Samson left the scene in his vehicle and the mother called 911, the MCSO said.

Samson was booked into the Mobile County Metro Jail Monday on a charge of first-degree attempted kidnapping, according to jail records. His bond hearing is set for Wednesday

“We have received several calls about Samson after his arrest,” said Sheriff Paul Burch. “Other residents in the area began to call and report strange behavior. I think one or two say he followed them from convenience stores. I don’t know how many reports were made or if they were providing information and such, I don’t know all of this yet.”

Burch says this serves as a critical reminder to keep a close eye on your children... especially during the summertime.

“With summertime now here and children are pretty much out of school, they’re gonna be out in the public or in the yards playing. Again, just keep a close eye on your children.”

“If you see something, say something. Because of this mother’s quick response to reporting, we were able to identify the suspect and take him into custody.”

Additional charges may be forthcoming, authorities said.

Copyright 2023 WALA. All rights reserved.