UPDATE: A man has been arrested for attempted sexual assault after breaking into a home in Madera, California, early Saturday morning. The Madera Police Department received a call at approximately 3 a.m. reporting an intruder inside a residence, prompting an immediate police response.
Officers arrived on the scene to find 43-year-old Hilario Morales-Santiago fleeing from the back of the property, leading to a brief pursuit before he was taken into custody. Morales-Santiago has been booked into Madera County Jail on two felony charges related to the incident.
According to authorities, the investigation revealed that Morales-Santiago entered the home and attempted to commit a sexual act on a teen girl who was asleep in her room. The girl awoke to find the suspect in her space and bravely yelled for him to leave before dialing 911. Her quick actions likely prevented a more serious crime.
The Madera Police Department noted that Morales-Santiago is not a stranger to law enforcement, having been involved in previous investigations of a similar nature. Given his history, authorities believe there may be additional victims who have not come forward.
The police are urging anyone with information regarding Morales-Santiago or unreported similar incidents to reach out to the Madera Police Department or contact Crime Stoppers at (559) 498-STOP.
This urgent situation underscores the importance of community vigilance and swift action in preventing potential crimes. Authorities are continuing their investigation to ensure the safety of residents and to provide support for any additional victims.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
