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Clown Mask Intruder Attempts Kidnapping of 8-Year-Old in Colorado

Thomas Gallegos, 56, was arrested after allegedly breaking into a Sterling home and attacking a young girl.

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Sterling Police Department car.
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Police in Sterling, Colorado said a man wearing a clown mask broke into a family's home and attacked an 8-year-old girl before fleeing on Oct. 15, 2024.

Overview

  • The incident occurred on October 15 when Gallegos allegedly broke into the girl's bedroom wearing a clown mask.
  • The girl fought back against the intruder, who hit her and attempted to choke her before fleeing with her phone.
  • Authorities identified Gallegos using surveillance footage and location data from the stolen phone.
  • Gallegos, a neighbor who had recently helped the family, was arrested on charges including attempted kidnapping and assault.
  • He is currently held on a $50,000 bail and is due to appear in court on November 4.