WA man charged with attempted kidnapping of toddler in park

A man in Burien, Washington, is facing serious charges after allegedly attempting to abduct a toddler from a local park in broad daylight. The King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office has charged 31-year-old Nicholas Joseph Lewis-Ryder with attempted kidnapping in the second degree following a frightening encounter at Lake Burien School Memorial Park on Monday afternoon.

According to court documents obtained by The Ari Hoffman Show on Talk Radio 570 KVI, Lewis-Ryder approached multiple children at the park around 1:40 p.m. on May 6, claiming he was with an “agency” and making alarming comments about taking children. Witnesses say he attempted to grab a 1-year-old boy, identified only as WL, from his grandfather, Bradley Gehring. When rebuffed, Lewis-Ryder allegedly approached a second child before being physically stopped by that child’s mother.

The situation escalated as Gehring’s wife, Valentina Gehring, arrived to help. As the family tried to leave, Lewis-Ryder reportedly followed them to their vehicle, repeatedly stating, “I’m taking your kid, I’m with an agency,” while attempting to unlock the car doors and reach inside. At one point, he allegedly grabbed the steering wheel and tried to forcibly enter the vehicle. The child’s grandfather physically confronted Lewis-Ryder, who then fled the scene.

Deputies from the King County Sheriff’s Office arrived minutes later and engaged in a brief foot chase before arresting Lewis-Ryder. He was taken into custody and booked into King County Jail, where he remains held on $150,000 bail.

Lewis-Ryder’s wife later told deputies that he had left their home earlier that day while experiencing a mental health crisis. She disclosed that he suffers from bipolar disorder with psychotic features and schizophrenia, and that he had been acting increasingly erratic in recent weeks, including making comments about “saving babies.”

Both Bradley and Valentina Gehring later gave recorded statements to authorities, describing Lewis-Ryder’s behavior as “aggressive,” “forceful,” and “frightening.” They expressed fear that he was determined to take their grandson and unwilling to back down, even when confronted.

The Prosecuting Attorney’s Office cited concerns that Lewis-Ryder poses a risk to public safety and may not comply with court orders. His arraignment is scheduled for 9:00 am on May 21 in the GA courtroom at the Maleng Regional Justice Center in Kent.