Teen arrested for allegedly breaking into Merced Co. woman's home, attacking her with knife

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- A 17-year-old was arrested after authorities say he broke into a woman's home and held her hostage at knifepoint in Merced County last weekend.

The Merced County Sheriff's Office says it received reports of a woman screaming inside a home on Petaluma Street in Delhi.

When deputies arrived, they found the male teen holding the woman and knife. Officials say the woman had a large cut on her hand.

Investigators say deputies spoke with the teen for a short time, and he eventually let the woman go. She was treated by paramedics and is expected to recover.

The teen was taken into custody.

Deputies believe the 17-year-old was under the influence of an unknown substance. He was taken to a hospital and then booked into the county's juvenile hall.

Sheriff's officials are still working to determine a motive for the attack.