Man arrested for attempted sexual assault in Madera, police say

MADERA, Calif. (KFSN) -- A 43-year-old man is in jail, accused of an attempted sexual assault on a teenager after a break-in at her home.

Madera police say Hilario Morals-Santiago was arrested earlier this week after he was caught running from the back door of the 13-year-old's home around 3 a.m.

Officers are praising the girl's bravery after she started screaming and called 911 to report the intruder.

Authorities say the young girl's actions stopped the assault from continuing and also helped capture someone they believe is involved in similar cases.

"In addition, it has assisted us in solving other investigations. So now, not only is he facing this current incident but he is also facing other incidents that happened in the community," Madera Police Sgt. Blake Short said. "She has also helped other victims find some closure which is amazing."

Santiago is suspected of similar crimes dating back to 2008- and was already on probation after a conviction for peeking into strangers' homes.

Anyone who may have been involved or has information on past attacks - is urged to call police

Santiago is scheduled to be back in court on October 24.