8-Year-Old Fights Off Man Who Tried To Abduct Her

In a scene that feels straight out of a horror movie, an 8-year-old Colorado girl recently saved herself from an attempted abduction. The story is coming directly from the Sterling Police Department. Thomas Gallegos, who is now in police custody, allegedly entered the child’s home and bedroom with the intent of snatching her away.

Days before the incident, Thomas had reportedly helped the family install a new appliance.

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Police Details Attempted Kidnapping Of Colorado Girl

On Oct. 16, the Sterling Police Department released a statement about the incident via their Facebook page. Officers began investigating the attempted abduction at the 300 block of Walnut Street at about 2:29 a.m. on Oct. 15.

Thomas was first described as a white male with a darker complexion, six feet tall, and a thin build. He wore pants and a dark hoodie covering his closely shaved hair during the trespassing. The suspected attempted kidnapper is believed to have entered the Colorado girl’s home through an unlocked back door between one and two in the morning. After the child fought off the attack, the suspected assailant fled the scene on foot.

A few days later, on Oct. 19, the Sterling PD announced that they’d identified the suspect as Thomas Gallegos. That same day, they obtained an arrest warrant and took the 56-year-old into custody. The update revealed that Thomas had “assaulted” the Colorado girl in her bedroom but didn’t specify what kind of assault. However, an arrest affidavit reviewed by KUSA reportedly stated that the man came into the child’s room, blindfolded her, and snatched her from her bed.

As mentioned, the 8-year-old Colorado girl revealed she tried to fight back, but Thomas allegedly hit her on the head and knocked her out. After becoming conscious, she ran to her mother’s bedroom and informed her. The parent then called 911. Though the 8-year-old had no serious injuries, she reportedly suffered cuts and bruises, per CBS News.

Here’s What Happens Next For Thomas Gallegos

Furthermore, the updated press release said that “digital, forensic, and physical evidence” led police to identify the suspect. That includes a cloth clown mask and gloves he left in the Colorado girl’s room and her cell phone that he took and later dumped.

Additionally, Thomas wasn’t a complete stranger to the 8-year-old. He reportedly lives in the same neighborhood as the child and her mother and had helped install a washer and dryer in the family’s home the weekend before the attempted kidnapping, per KUSA.

Thomas is jailed and facing charges of first-degree burglary, second-degree assault, attempted second-degree kidnapping, third-degree assault, and child abuse. His next court date is reportedly set for Nov. 4. It’s unclear if the Colorado girl will also appear in court.