On Friday during recess, Solomon Galligan, a 33-year-old registered sex offender, attempted to kidnap a student from Black Forest Hills Elementary School. Galligan entered the school grounds carrying a white blanket and approached children on the field. Witnesses report seeing Galligan lunge at and try to grab one child as the students began to run away.
The targeted child, who did not know Galligan, told police that he had white powder on his face and smelled of alcohol. As students started screaming “Stranger danger” and fleeing, Galligan departed the premises.
Galligan was apprehended at a nearby Walgreens after a parent recognized him based on his description. Initially, he claimed to have been assaulted and was taken to the hospital. However, he was later arrested and booked into the Aurora Detention Center.
Cherry Creek School District immediately notified families about the incident via phone and email. They also launched an investigation and increased supervision during recess this week to ensure students’ safety.
Galligan remains in custody at the Aurora jail on a $25,000 bond and is set to appear in court on Thursday.
