Man Arrested for Attempted Sexual Assault of Teen in Madera

UPDATE: A man has been arrested for attempted sexual assault following a break-in at a residence in Madera, California, early Saturday morning. The Madera Police Department received an emergency call at approximately 3 a.m., reporting an unknown individual inside a home.

Upon arrival, officers spotted 43-year-old Hilario Morales-Santiago fleeing from the back of the property, prompting a brief chase. He was quickly apprehended and charged with two felony counts. According to police, Morales-Santiago entered the home and attempted to commit a sexual act on a teenage girl.

The victim awoke to discover the suspect in her room and immediately yelled for him to leave, subsequently calling the police. Thanks to her swift action, authorities were able to respond quickly. Morales-Santiago is already known to the Madera Police Department due to previous investigations involving similar incidents.

The police are urging the public to remain vigilant, as they believe there may be additional victims connected to Morales-Santiago’s history. Anyone with information regarding this case or other unreported incidents is encouraged to contact the Madera Police Department or reach out to Crime Stoppers at (559) 498-STOP.

This alarming incident highlights the urgent need for community awareness and safety measures. Authorities are expected to provide further updates as the investigation unfolds.