Officers were called to a home on Fallbrook Avenue near Peach Avenue just after 3:30 am.
The homeowner told police they heard someone attempting to get into the house through a side door.
When investigators arrived, they found David Hernandez using a hunting knife to try to unlock the door.
Police say Hernandez did not know the homeowner.
He was booked into the Fresno County jail and faces burglary charges.