Brave girl foils home invasion by calling 911 during burglary attempt

In California, a terrifying home invasion took place on April 3, 2025, at approximately 5:55 a.m. A nine-year-old girl, whose identity has not been publicly disclosed, demonstrated remarkable composure during the frightening incident. While the family's home in Westminster was being broken into, the girl used her cell phone to call 911, providing crucial information to the police dispatchers about the situation. The intruder, later identified as Jorge Mendoza Diaz, attempted to gain entry by smashing a window and shouting commands directed at the family inside the house. As the girl reported the escalating scenario to the 911 operator, she described the intruder’s aggressive behavior and detailed what she was hearing, including loud knocks at the door. This information allowed police to respond quickly and establish a perimeter to catch the suspect. The girl's father confronted Diaz, using pepper spray to defend his family, which forced the intruder to retreat. As the police arrived just three minutes after the call, they successfully apprehended Diaz without further incident. He was subsequently booked for residential burglary and trespassing. Authorities, including the Westminster Police Department, praised the girl, highlighting her calm demeanor and quick thinking under pressure. Police Chief Darin Lenyi emphasized the girl's potential for a future career in law enforcement based on her impressive response during the crisis. Officers released audio from the 911 call, not only to acknowledge her bravery but also to serve as a teaching tool for other children about the importance of remaining calm and providing accurate information in emergencies. This incident has prompted discussions about safety protocols and the importance of emergency preparedness among families. The commendable actions of both the girl and her father ensured that the situation was managed effectively, preventing what could have turned into a more dangerous scenario for the family. In this case, a child's quick thinking played a crucial role in ensuring the police arrived swiftly to apprehend a suspect, demonstrating the vital impact that preparedness and calmness can have in critical moments.