Prosecutors in Colorado have made the decision to drop charges against Solomon Galligan, a registered sex offender accused of attempting to kidnap a child from an elementary school. The 18th Judicial District Attorney’s Office, which covers Arapahoe County, informed FOX31 that the charges will be dismissed because Galligan was found incompetent to stand trial.
Galligan, 33, was facing one count of attempted kidnapping after allegedly trying to take an 11-year-old boy during recess at Black Forest Hills Elementary School in April 2024. It was reported by Aurora police that Galligan is a registered sex offender with his registration tied to the Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office.
Following his arrest, Galligan underwent a mental competency evaluation which determined that he was unfit to stand trial. As a result, prosecutors have no choice but to drop the charges against him. The incident was captured on video showing Galligan chasing after and grabbing at a student as other children ran away.
Parents at the Aurora school were alarmed by the incident and submitted a 10-page letter to Cherry Creek School District officials demanding an independent review of the school’s handling of the situation. As a result of the investigation conducted by school district officials, former Black Forrest Hills Elementary School Principal Amanda Replogle was replaced.
Replogle admitted that it was a mistake not to place the school on secure status after the incident and acknowledged the confusion at the time. The school district has since implemented reforms 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.
It is important to note that Galligan’s guilt is not in question, but due to his mental incompetence to stand trial, the charges will be dropped. The safety and security of students at Black Forest Hills Elementary School remain a top priority for the school district.
