Mahendra Patel, a 57-year-old Georgia man accused of attempting to kidnap a 2-year-old at a Walmart, has been released on $10,000 bond after six weeks in jail.

Patel was charged with attempted kidnapping, assault, and battery after the child’s mother, Caroline Miller, claimed he tried to pull the toddler from her lap.

However, surveillance footage appears to contradict her account, showing Patel interacting calmly and offering help.

Patel’s defense argues he misunderstood the situation, believing Miller was disabled and trying to assist.

A petition supporting Patel has garnered over 47,000 signatures, NBC News has reported.

He awaits trial, with no date yet set.

Written by B.C. Begley