An 8-year-old girl showed remarkable bravery as she fought off an intruder wearing a clown mask who tried to kidnap her during a terrifying late-night robbery. According to authorities, the incident took place in the early morning hours of October 15 at his family home in Sterling, Colorado.
The young woman, whose identity remains private, told police how the masked intruder entered her room, blindfolded her and tried to get her out of her bed. Court documents obtained by 9News They report that the girl struggled with the intruder, who then hit her in the head, rendering her unconscious.
When the girl regained consciousness, she managed to escape and ran to her mother’s room for help. He was treated for head injuries, including cuts and bruises, and required staples for a wound to the back of his head. Fortunately, he is expected to make a full recovery.
Investigators believe the suspect entered through an open back door and left incriminating items, including a pair of gloves and a cloth clown mask, which were found in the girl’s bedroom. The attacker also took the girl’s phone, which the police later recovered along Interstate 76. Location data from the phone led police to arrest a suspect, identified as Thomas Gallegos, 56, a neighbor of the family.
9News reported that Gallegos had been at the family’s home the previous weekend to help install a new washer and dryer, which may have allowed him to familiarize himself with the layout of the home. Security footage from the night of the incident reportedly shows a man matching Gallegos’ description dressed in dark clothing and wearing a clown mask. Gallegos’ wife informed officers that he admitted to being the man on camera, but denied the allegations of attempted kidnapping.
Gallegos now faces multiple charges, including first-degree robbery, second-degree attempted kidnapping, second-degree assault, third-degree assault and child abuse. He is scheduled to appear in court on November 4.
While no motive has been provided, authorities noted that the clown mask allegedly belonged to Gallegos’ grandson. The disturbing case has left the community in suspense, as residents grapple with the disturbing details of the incident and await further court proceedings.
