An 8-year-old Colorado girl fought off an intruder in a clown mask who attempted to kidnap her during a late-night break-in at her family’s home. The suspect, Thomas Gallegos, 56, was arrested on suspicion of attempted kidnapping, assault, child abuse, and burglary. Authorities responded to the scene and found that the girl had been blindfolded by Gallegos when she woke up and tried to fight back. Gallegos allegedly struck her in the head, leaving her unconscious before fleeing. The girl was able to alert her mother, who sought help.
The victim sustained injuries including a contusion to her right eye and a laceration to the back of her head that required staples. A clown mask and gloves were found in the girl’s room, linking the crime to Gallegos. Surveillance video and location data from the girl’s phone were used to identify him as a suspect. During police interviews, Gallegos denied the allegations, but his wife confirmed his presence in the area at the time of the break-in.
It is unclear if Gallegos has legal representation. Despite his wife’s denial of the accusations, the surveillance video showed him wearing dark clothes and carrying a clown mask that belonged to their grandson. Gallegos was ultimately served with a court order for his DNA and cellphone, as investigators sought the truth behind the terrifying incident.
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