Nationwide — Solomon Galligan, a 33-year-old man accused of trying to kidnap an 11-year-old boy from a school playground in Aurora, Colorado, is expected to have his charges dropped after being found mentally unfit to stand trial.
Police arrested Galligan in April 2024 at Black Forest Hills Elementary School. He reportedly entered the school grounds during recess and attempted to grab a boy. The child ran off with a group of students and called for help. He later told officers that Galligan smelled like alcohol and had white powder on his face.
Officers located Galligan nearby and charged him with attempted kidnapping. However, a doctor recently determined that he is mentally incompetent to face trial.
“When a defendant is found mentally incompetent to proceed and is being civilly committed for mental health treatment, we are legally obligated to dismiss charges,” said Eric Ross, a spokesperson for the local District Attorney’s Office, according to WLBT.
Galligan has a history of legal trouble, including a 2012 conviction for failing to register as a sex offender. His mental health has also played a role in four other dismissed criminal cases across Colorado.
Officials said Galligan will be placed in a mental health facility, not released to the public. He is due back in court later this month.