A Fulton County father kidnapped his 8-week-old infant after assaulting the child’s mother at her workplace, sparking a police rescue operation that ended with the baby’s safe return and the father’s arrest.

Assault and Abduction at Elections Office

Fulton County police responded to a 12:30 p.m. emergency call at the Fulton County Elections Hub on Campbellton Fairburn Road on September 9. A female employee reported that Richard Benton, the father of her 8-week-old son, had attacked her at work before fleeing the scene with their infant child. The assault occurred in broad daylight at the government facility, where the victim worked as a county employee. Benton left no indication of his destination, taking both the helpless infant and the mother’s cellphone.

Investigators discovered Benton had taken the victim’s phone during the incident. Officers used this information to establish contact with him, initiating negotiations focused entirely on the infant’s wellbeing. The quick-thinking approach prioritized the child’s safety above all other concerns, recognizing the vulnerability of an 8-week-old in an unstable situation.

Peaceful Surrender at Transit Station

Through persistent communication, officers convinced Benton to voluntarily surrender without further incident. Police emphasized their primary concern centered on protecting the defenseless infant from potential harm. Benton responded to their appeal, pulling his vehicle into the College Park MARTA station parking area where he waited for law enforcement to arrive. Officers took him into custody without resistance, and the infant was immediately reunited with his mother unharmed.

Criminal Charges Pending

Fulton County authorities confirmed that criminal charges against Benton are pending as the investigation continues. The case highlights the dangerous intersection of domestic violence and child endangerment, where infants become vulnerable victims in adult conflicts. While the immediate crisis ended safely, the incident raises serious questions about workplace security at government facilities and protection orders for domestic violence victims. The mother now faces the difficult path of pursuing legal action while caring for her infant son, who was mercifully too young to remember the traumatic separation. The swift police response and successful negotiation prevented what could have escalated into a far more dangerous situation for the helpless child.