- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Thornton Today
By the People, for the People
Man Sentenced for Attempted Kidnapping of Teen Outside Thornton School
Steven Housman, 18, pleaded guilty to second-degree kidnapping and attempted sexual assault charges.
Published on Feb. 15, 2026
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
Steven Housman, 18, was sentenced to 8 years in prison for second-degree kidnapping and 90 days in jail for attempted sexual assault after pleading guilty to charges related to the attempted abduction of a 15-year-old girl outside Thornton Middle School in April 2025.
Why it matters
The attempted kidnapping of a student near a school has raised concerns about student safety and the need for increased security measures around educational institutions. This case highlights the importance of swift action by law enforcement and the justice system in addressing such serious crimes against minors.
The details
According to the arrest affidavit, the victim reported being grabbed from behind while walking home on a path near Five Star Stadium. She struggled with the attacker for 30 seconds to 1 minute before he let go and fled. A substitute teacher witnessed the attack and saw the suspect get into a red sedan and drive off, while the victim was left crying and walking home.
- The incident occurred on April 28, 2025.
- Housman was arrested the next morning at Thornton High School.
- Housman pleaded guilty in December 2025.
- Housman was sentenced on February 14, 2026.
The players
Steven Housman
An 18-year-old man who pleaded guilty to second-degree kidnapping and attempted sexual assault charges related to the attempted abduction of a 15-year-old girl.
Thornton Middle School
The school near where the attempted kidnapping took place.
What’s next
The judge's decision on Housman's 10-year Intensive Supervision Program for sex offenders upon his release from prison will be an important next step in ensuring public safety.
The takeaway
This case underscores the importance of vigilance and proactive security measures to protect vulnerable members of the community, especially students, from violent crimes. It also highlights the need for a robust justice system to hold offenders accountable and prevent future incidents.
