Man Who Tried to Abduct 10YO Girl Is Turned In By Parents After They Recognized Him In Police Photos

A 28-year-old has been taken into custody after his parents turned him in. It is alleged Diego James Gettler, 28, tried to kidnap a 10-year-old girl outside her school. Cops were called to the STEM Launch School in Thornton around 7:30 a.m. on Sept. 23. After police released surveillance images of a suspect, Gettler's parents recognized him and his vehicle in the photos. On Facebook, police said they were looking for the "suspect & the vehicle he left in, a 2006-2009 Saturn Aura, gray in color with damage to drivers side fender & door that likely prevents the door from opening."

According to PEOPLE, an affidavit states that Gettler's parents went to the Thornton police station on September 26. They "identified [Gettler] as possibly being involved due to them recognizing him based on photographs from the surveillance that was released, as well as his vehicle matching the unique characteristics of the suspect vehicle in this case. [His parents] stated Diego owns and operates a gray Saturn Aura which has damage on the driver's side" caused by an earlier car accident. "[His parents] further confirmed Diego has to enter the vehicle from the passenger side." Gettler's parents called officials and the Colorado man was charged with second-degree kidnapping on Thursday. 

The 10-year-old girl reported him after he grabbed her outside the school. She told officers that she had just been dropped off at school that morning by her mother and was sitting on the school steps. Gettler then approached her and asked her if she attended the school. She said the stranger walked behind her and up the stairs, she was sitting on but then turned around and walked back towards her. “The male made her feel uncomfortable, so she stood up as he was walking back down the stairs,” the affidavit stated. “The male grabbed [her] at this point, in a manner, she described as him wrapping his hands and arms around her waist from behind.” The girl started screaming, "at which point the male covered her mouth with his hands to prevent her from screaming," the affidavit states. When the child resisted his advances, he ran.  "[The girl] told detectives she began grabbing at the male and was able to pull down a mask he was wearing, at which point the male appeared spooked and ran away on foot." Detectives confirmed that Gettler’s cellphone was also in the area during the time of the attempted abduction. He has been booked into the Adams County jail and is scheduled to appear in court on Oct. 5.

References:

https://people.com/crime/man-allegedly-tried-abduct-girl-outside-school-parents-turned-him-in/

https://www.facebook.com/ThorntonPD

Cover Image Source: Twitter | @ThorntonPolice