20-05-2025
15-year-old thwarts man's kidnap attempt near school, CO cops say. He's charged
A man accused of trying to kidnap a 15-year-old walking near a Colorado school has been arrested and charged, prosecutors say.
Steven Houseman, 18, was charged with second-degree kidnapping and criminal attempt to commit sexual assault, Colorado's 17th Judicial District Attorney's Office said in a May 1 news release.
The teenage girl was walking near Thornton Middle School the morning of April 28 when a man tried to grab her, Thornton police said in a Facebook post.
When the girl resisted, the man fled, according to police.
Police said they got a report about the incident at about 4 p.m.
'During the immediate investigation, officers secured video surveillance that clearly depicted the attempted abduction, providing crucial details about the suspect and a suspected vehicle associated with the suspect,' Thornton Police Commander Tom Connor told KMGH-TV.
Subsequently, police put out a request for information on social media that included a photo of the suspect.
The next day, police announced that Houseman had been arrested.
Houseman's arrest came after 'vital information received from our alert community' helped school resource officers identify him as a suspect, Connor told KMGH-TV.
'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 Police Chief Greg Reeves said in the Facebook post.
Houseman was taken into custody at Thornton High School on April 29, according to police.
The 18-year-old is a student at the high school, according to a letter from the school's principal to families obtained by KUSA.
Adams 12 Five Star Schools did not immediately respond to McClatchy News' request for comment on May 2.
Police said they 'are working closely with Adams 12 Five Star Schools to ensure the safety of students and staff as the investigation continues.'
Houseman is scheduled to appear in court May 2, prosecutors said.
Thornton is about a 10-mile drive north from Denver.
