Colorado Kidnapper Gets Butt Kicked By 8-Year-Old Girl

An 8-year-old Colorado girl bravely fought off a masked kidnapper in her bedroom, leading to the arrest of a neighbor in a chilling case. 🌐 #News #LoganCountyCO #Colorado #Crime

LOGAN COUNTY, CO – In a frightening encounter early on October 15, an 8-year-old girl in Sterling, Colorado, woke up to find herself the target of a kidnapping attempt in her own bedroom. The young girl bravely resisted, and her quick actions ultimately saved her from further harm. Police announced Saturday that they had arrested a suspect linked to the crime.

The Attack in the Middle of the Night

According to the Sterling Police Department, officers responded to a home on the 300 block of Walnut Street at 2:29 a.m. after receiving a report of an attempted child abduction. A man had broken into the residence and attacked the girl in her bedroom, but she managed to fight back and escape his grasp. The attacker fled before police arrived.

The girl told investigators that her attacker wore a clown mask, blindfolded her, and tried to grab her from her bed. During the struggle, the man hit her in the head, rendering her unconscious. When she regained consciousness, the girl immediately informed her mother, who called 911. She sustained bruises but was otherwise unharmed.

Key Evidence Points Police to a Neighbor

During the investigation, officers discovered a clown mask and gloves left behind in the girl’s bedroom. The girl’s phone was also missing but was later recovered near Interstate 76. Police said, “A significant amount of digital, forensic, and physical evidence” allowed them to identify 56-year-old Thomas Gallegos as the suspect.

Gallegos, who lives in the same neighborhood, had recently been inside the victim’s home to install a washer and dryer just a week before the attack. On Saturday, police arrested him on multiple charges, including first-degree burglary, attempted second-degree kidnapping, second-degree assault, third-degree assault, and child abuse.

Safety Tips for Families

The Sterling Police Department emphasized the importance of home security and encouraged parents to discuss safety practices with their children. In a public statement, they advised caregivers to “reinforce safety measures,” such as locking doors and windows, keeping home areas well-lit, and staying alert to unusual behavior in the community.

A Close Call That Shook the Community

This terrifying ordeal has left the Sterling community shaken. However, the girl’s quick thinking and bravery ensured her safety and provided police with key evidence to solve the case. Thanks to the diligent efforts of officers, the suspect was swiftly arrested, bringing some relief to the family and neighbors.