Abduction attempt at Madison County playground a false alarm, but man remains in custody, sheriff says

Deputies in Georgia's Madison County say an alleged kidnapping attempt at a local playground turned out to be false. 

According to the sheriff's department, on Wednesday deputies received reports that a man attempted to kidnap a 3-year-old from the playground at the Madison County Recreation Department in Danielsville.

Deputies at the scene took Steven Watts into custody. While initial statements taken made it appear that an attempted kidnapping took place, officials say video surveillance did not match that assessment.

"It was quickly realized that Watts was suspected of being under the influence of an illegal substance and having a potential mental health crisis," the Madison County Sheriff's Office wrote on Facebook. "Upon interviews with known affiliates of Watts, it was discovered that he was coming down from multiple days of meth use."

Watts remains in custody on an unrelated charge of criminal trespass. Officials say he also had other warrants out for his arrest in other jurisdictions.

The case has been turned to the district attorney's office for review.