Listen: 9-year-old's 911 call foils burglary attempt in Westminster
Girl's 911 call helps stop Westminster burglary
A 9-year-old girl in Westminster saved the day after someone broke into her home. The girl called 911 when she heard the man breaking in.
WESTMINSTER, Calif. - A young girl is being commended for her calm and quick-thinking actions that helped thwart a burglary in her own home.
What we know:
The crime happened on April 3, just before 6 a.m. at a home in the area of Magnolia Street and Bolsa Avenue, according to the City of Westminster.
The suspect, Jorge Mendoza Diaz, entered through a smashed kitchen window but was confronted by the girl's father, who used pepper spray then physically dragged the suspect out of the house. Diaz was then found hiding in the neighbor's yard.
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Westminster Police officers said they arrived within three minutes of the call and arrested Diaz.
What they're saying:
Residents praised the police for their prompt response, and Chief Lenyi highlighted the bravery of the young girl and her father. The chief expressed admiration for the child's calmness and invited her to consider a future career with the Westminster Police Department.
"This was such a great example of textbook, staying calm knowing your location and getting help when you need it," said Deputy Chief Cameron Knauerhaze.
"Just as a rule of thumb, when you’re out traveling and out and about, know location first thing. Tell dispatcher I need help and I’m at this address. Then if you get disconnected at least help is on the way."
Even with constantly evolving technology, an address or landmark leads to the fastest response, police stated.
"We really do want to honor her. We’ve got some surprises in store. Maybe getting the school involved and really putting her on a pedestal primarily for such a great job she did also as a teaching moment for other students and kids to hear how 911 is used," Knauerhaze added.
What's next:
The incident is considered isolated, with no ongoing threat to public safety.
The Westminster Police Department encourages anyone with additional information to contact them.
The department released the 911 call audio to emphasize the importance of teaching children how to use 911 effectively in emergencies.
The Source: Information for this story is from a press release published by the City of Westminster on April 7, 2025.