Texas Man Sentenced to 6 Years for Attempted Lakewood Kidnapping

Prosecutors say the man twice tried to lead an 8-year-old girl away from her grandmother at a local grocery store.

Mar. 23, 2026 at 7:05am

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A Texas resident has been sentenced to six years in prison for attempting to kidnap an 8-year-old girl from a Lakewood, Colorado grocery store. Prosecutors say the man twice tried to lead the young girl away from her grandmother, prompting store staff to intervene and authorities to pursue an attempted kidnapping case.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing threat of child abduction and the importance of vigilance by both the public and businesses to prevent such incidents. It also raises questions about bail reform and whether stronger measures are needed to protect vulnerable members of the community.

The details

According to reports, the Texas man, whose identity has not been released, approached the 8-year-old girl and her grandmother at a Lakewood grocery store and told the child, "I am borrowing your daughter." Store staff quickly intervened, and the man left the scene. However, he later returned and again attempted to lead the child away, prompting further intervention from employees and the eventual involvement of Jefferson County authorities.

  • The incident occurred at a Lakewood grocery store.
  • The man first approached the girl and her grandmother on an unspecified date.
  • The man returned to the store and made a second attempt to take the child on an unspecified date.

The players

Texas Resident

The man charged with attempted kidnapping of an 8-year-old girl at a Lakewood grocery store.

8-year-old Girl

The victim of the attempted kidnapping at the Lakewood grocery store.

Lakewood Grandmother

The grandmother of the 8-year-old girl who was present during the attempted kidnapping at the Lakewood grocery store.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco Resident

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow the Texas man out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing threat of child abduction and the importance of vigilance by both the public and businesses to prevent such incidents. It also raises questions about bail reform and whether stronger measures are needed to protect vulnerable members of the community.