An 8-year-old girl fought back against an attacker wearing a clown mask who allegedly assaulted her in her bedroom earlier this month, police said.
The suspect, Thomas Gallegos, 56, allegedly broke into a home in Sterling, 130 miles northeast of Denver, between 1 a.m. and 2 a.m. on Oct. 15. Investigators said Gallegos blindfolded the girl and grabbed her, citing an arrest affidavit. .
The girl's mother told investigators that Gallegos lived in the neighborhood and had visited the girl's home the previous weekend to help install a washer and dryer.
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Police said Thomas Gallegos, 56, is suspected of attacking the girl in her bedroom. (Sterling Police Department)
The girl fought back, but hit her head and was left unconscious. Gallegos allegedly fled the home with the girl's cell phone.
When the girl woke up, she ran to her mother's room and told her what had happened. Police said the woman was treated for cuts and bruises, but there were no major injuries.
FOX News Digital reached out to the Sterling Police Department and the 13th Judicial District Attorney's Office.
During the investigation, detectives discovered a “substantial amount” of digital, forensic and physical evidence that led to Gallegos' arrest, police said.
sterling police cruiser (Sterling Police Department)
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He was taken into custody on October 19th.
Gallegos is charged with first-degree robbery, attempted second-degree kidnapping, second-degree assault, third-degree assault and child abuse.
