Fairfield police arrested a 52-year-old Fairfield man Tuesday morning after a 14-year-old female student reported that a man had attempted to grab her while she was walking to the Matt Garcia Career and College Academy, on Harry Price Drive.
According to Police, Samuel Galvao attempted to grab the girl around 9 a.m. but she resisted and fled while he pursued. When she arrived at the school, she notified her father and school administrators, who immediately called police.
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Officers quickly started searching for the suspect, deploying a drone and also examining surveillance camera footage. The suspect was then spotted by a dispatcher on the third floor of the Fairfield City Hall building, police say.
Officers made contact with Galvao, who they said resisted arrest, but was ultimately detained and positively identified by both victim and an independent witness who had seen the incident.
He was subsequently transported to Solano County Jail and booked on charges of attempted kidnapping and resisting arrest.
In a press release, police praised the students and reminded parents to teach their children to be aware. “We recognize and applaud the brave actions of the student, and would like to use this as an opportunity to remind parents to speak with your children about the importance of remaining alert to your surroundings and the people around you,” the statement reads. “If they ever sense danger or feel they are being followed, ensure they know to find a safe public place and are able to recognize ‘safe’ adults, such as public safety officials and school administrators.”
In addition, they clarified that Galvao is not a city employee or otherwise affiliated with the city, he was found in City Hall because police say that’s where he fled due to its proximity to the incident.