Prosecutors in Colorado are set to drop charges against a registered sex offender accused of trying to lure a child from an elementary school, as he has been deemed mentally unfit to stand trial.
The 18th Judicial District Attorney’s Office, which serves Arapahoe County, including Aurora and Littleton, plans to dismiss the case against Solomon Garrigan, 33 years old. He was charged with attempting to lure an 11-year-old during a recess at Black Forest Hills Elementary School back in April 2024.
Aurora Police revealed that Garrigan is a registered sex offender, with his registration linked to the Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office.
Following his arrest, Garrigan underwent a mental competency evaluation, leading prosecutors to conclude they couldn’t proceed with charges.
Despite this, the evidence against him is concerning, as the incident was caught on video, showing other children fleeing and trying to escape while he allegedly attempted to grab the boy.
“It’s terrifying to think about,” said Dante White, who personally encountered Garrigan during the incident. “Seeing what happened, especially looking at his pictures, if he had come near me, I would have been shocked. It felt like he was trying to tempt the kids.”
After the incident, parents at Aurora School sent a 10-page letter to Cherry Creek School District officials, urging for an independent review of the school’s safety measures.
The school district subsequently conducted an investigation, which led to the replacement of former principal Amandare Progle, according to reports. “The findings from this investigation indicate that Black Forest Hills needs administrative changes,” a district statement shared with FOX31 noted.
“We are implementing these changes to ensure we can progress positively as the school year comes to a close,” it continued.
Replogle admitted that the school’s failure to secure an appropriate status after the incident was a significant error. “I take responsibility for this mistake along with district leadership. At the time, I was confused and didn’t have all the details about what happened,” Replogle wrote in a letter obtained by FOX31.
The district mentioned that since the attempted luring, reforms have been enacted, focusing on mental health support for students, enhancing security protocols, increasing security personnel, and offering indoor break options to improve safety and comfort.
Fox News Digital reached out to both the Cherry Creek School District and the Arapahoe County District Attorney’s Office for comments but did not receive an immediate reply.
