Cops: Boy, 15, tried to sexually assault girls on ski slope

SALIDA, Colo. - A 15-year-old boy has been arrested after authorities say he tried to sexually assault two girls on a Colorado ski slope, reports CBS Denver.

The alleged attempted attacks occurred on separate occasions over two weeks ago on the trails at Monarch Mountain, which is located between Pueblo and Gunnison, according to the station.

"It just took everybody by surprise," Undersheriff John Spezze of the Chaffee County Sheriff's Department said. "It kind of shook the community because we're a small community and we get a lot of outside visitors. But ski areas are safe places."

Authorities say that in each instance, the suspect boarded a chairlift with one of the teenage girls, who had both been skiing alone. Once on the ski run, the boy forced the girls into the woods and tried to assault them, according to police.

The station reports that during the second alleged assault, which occurred on New Year's Day, the 15-year-old suspect pulled out a gun and fired it into the air.

Spezze said the ski area's cooperation was instrumental in making the arrest.

The boy, whose name has not been released, was taken into custody Tuesday in Monument and is reportedly facing a half-dozen felony charges.