Man Followed Gwinnett Woman From Walmart, Wanted For Kidnapping

BUFORD, GA — Police are searching for a man they say followed a Gwinnett County woman from a Walmart parking lot, then tried to abduct her outside her home.

Jamez Maclin, 23, is wanted on charges of kidnapping and battery, Gwinnett County Police said Thursday. According to police, a woman was shopping shortly before midnight Wednesday at the Walmart at 3795 Buford Dr. in Buford.

When she walked out of the store, she noticed a white BMW parked behind her vehicle. As she drove home, she noticed a car behind her, but didn't realize it was the same vehicle from the parking lot, police said.

She pulled into her driveway, got out of her vehicle and walked to the front door of her home. As she opened the door, a man grabbed her from behind. The woman screamed, police say, and when her mother came running to the door, the man released her and ran, driving away in the white BMW.

Police responded to her home and the Walmart. Officers located a white BMW in the store's parking lot and say the woman was able to identify Maclin — the registered owner of the car — as the person who tried to kidnap her.

They also drove her back to Walmart and she identified the car as the one that had just left her home.

At the store, police believe Maclin had walked into the store when they arrived and then ran away on foot. Video surveillance showed the white BMW following the woman when she left the parking lot, police said.

Shortly after 8 a.m. Thursday, Maclin called 911 and tried to report his car stolen from an address in Buford, police said. Police responded to the address he gave, but couldn't find him at the scene. Police believe he reported the car stolen in an attempt to cover up the fact he used it during the kidnapping attempt.

"This was a very dangerous situation that could have ended differently if the woman had not screamed and had help from her mother," Gwinnett County Police spokesman Cpl. Deon Washington said. "Police strongly urge women not to shop alone late at night. It is always a good idea to park in well-lit areas and look around your vehicle before you get out of your car. If you have suspicions that you are being followed, do not ignore them, drive to the nearest police precinct or heavily populated area and call 911."

Anyone with information in the case is asked to contact detectives at 770-513-5300. To remain anonymous, tipsters may contact Crime Stoppers at 404-577-TIPS (8477) or visit the Crime Stoppers website. Crime Stoppers tipsters can receive up to $2,000 for information leading to an arrest and indictment in the case.

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Photo courtesy Gwinnett County Police Department