2 arrested for kidnapping a toddler in south Charlotte

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Two people are facing multiple charges after police say they kidnapped a toddler in south Charlotte. It happened around 5:30 Monday afternoon on Shady Oak Trail near South Boulevard.

Witnesses told police that two people took the child, without the parents’ consent. Court documents say Donnell Cochran and Tanika Barnes kidnapped the 2-year-old boy for the “purpose of holding him involuntary servitude.” The magistrate’s order also says the toddler was “not released in a safe place.”

They are both charged with first-degree kidnapping and felony conspiracy. Cochrane remains in the Mecklenburg County jail under a $250,000 bond. He also faces cocaine charges and firearms charges. He is also accused of pointing a gun at two people during the incident. Barnes was given a $5,000 bond and has been released from jail.

Both will be back in court in June.