DENVER (KDVR) — A 15-year-old girl narrowly avoided an abduction Monday morning and Thornton police on Tuesday said they have arrested a suspect.
The incident occurred at about 11:20 a.m. Monday, the Thornton Police Department said, and the girl was walking near Thornton Middle School when a male suspect attempted to grab her. She resisted, according to police, and the suspect fled the area.
The agency provided a map of where the incident took place, which appears to be between the middle school building and the football field.
The police department said that school resource officers were notified about the matter just before 4 p.m. After an initial investigation, officers found surveillance footage that showed the attempted abduction.
Police had been searching for the suspected kidnapper since the incident and confirmed to FOX31 Tuesday morning someone was arrested. On Tuesday afternoon, Thornton police identified the man as Steven Houseman, 18, who was taken into custody on Thornton High School property.
Houseman will be booked into the Adams County Jail on charges of second-degree kidnapping, second-degree assault, false imprisonment and criminal attempt sexual assault, police said.
“I would like to thank the brave members of our community who, at our request, came forward with information that helped lead to the arrest of Houseman,” Interim Chief Greg Reeves. “We recognize the integral part our community has in helping keep our city safe, and for that, we are grateful. I also want to acknowledge the incredible investigative work done by our school resource officers and detectives who worked diligently in identifying and arresting Houseman in a very short amount of time.”
The department said it is working closely with Adams 12 Five Star Schools to ensure students and staff are safe during the investigation. Students and families in the district are being encouraged to stay alert and take precautions, such as:
Walking in groups
Reporting suspicious behavior
Reviewing safe walking routes
Avoiding approaching unknown individuals or vehicles
Students should also seek help immediately if they feel threatened, and the district and department are urging parents and guardians to review safety tips and plans with their students.
Anyone with information about the incident or the suspect is asked to contact the Thornton Police Department tip line at 720-977-5069. Anonymous tipsters can provide information to Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720-913-7867.
