DENVER – Police have identified a man who is accused of trying to kidnap an 11-year-old girl in Aurora last week.
Tyler Christensen, 32, was arrested Friday afternoon. According the Colorado Bureau of Investigation's sex offender registry, Christensen is a registered sex offender. Police said he is a stranger to the girl.
The 11-year-old girl was walking from her school bus stop in the area of Exposition Avenue and South Nome Street at around 5:15 p.m. Thursday when a man walking toward her grabbed her and put his hands over her mouth, according to Aurora Police Chief Nick Metz.
Metz said the girl fought back by screaming and biting the suspect’s right ring finger, causing the suspect to let go.
"This extraordinary young lady did what she needed to do to get away," said Metz, adding her actions are exactly what should be done when confronted with these types of situations.
“That’s the tip I would give to anybody,” Metz said. “If you face a situation like this, adult or a child, the best thing you can do is fight and fight hard. Scream and scream loud.”
Christensen is facing charges of second-degree unlawful sexual contact-criminal attempt and second-degree kidnapping-criminal attempt.