Prosecutors in Colorado are preparing to drop charges against a registered sex offender who was accused of attempting to kidnap a child from an elementary school. The decision comes after it was determined that he was incompetent to stand trial.
The 18th Judicial District Attorney’s Office, which serves Arapahoe County and includes areas like Aurora and Littleton, announced to FOX31 on Friday their plan to dismiss charges against Solomon Galligan. The 33-year-old is facing one count of attempted kidnapping after allegedly trying to abduct an 11-year-old boy from Black Forest Hills Elementary School during recess in April 2024.
Aurora police previously reported that Galligan is a registered sex offender, with his registration tied to the Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office.
In April 2024, Solomon Galligan, 33, was charged with one count of attempted kidnapping for reportedly trying to seize an 11-year-old boy during recess at Black Forest Hills Elementary School. (KDVR)
Replogle admitted that it was a “clear misstep” that the school was not placed on secure status after the incident.
“I, along with district leadership, own that mistake. There was confusion at the time and we did not know all the details of what occurred as we do now,” Replogle said in a letter obtained by FOX31 that was sent to the district.
The school district told FOX31 that reforms have been implemented since the kidnapping attempt, including security protocol enhancements, increased security presence, and prioritizing student mental health support by offering options for indoor recess as an alternative for safety and comfort.
Fox News Digital reached out to the Cherry Creek School District and Arapahoe County District Attorney’s Office for comment but did not immediately receive a response.
Stepheny Price is a writer for Fox News Digital and Fox Business. She covers topics including missing persons, homicides, national crime cases, illegal immigration, and more. Story tips and ideas can be sent to stepheny.price@fox.com
