In an extraordinary display of bravery, a 9-year-old girl kept her calm during a terrifying home invasion in Southern California, calling 911 and providing police with the information needed to catch the suspect. The quick thinking of the young girl, combined with the actions of her father, helped bring the situation to a swift end and prevented what could have been a much more serious incident.
The frightening event unfolded early on a Friday morning, just before 6 a.m., in Westminster, a city about 35 miles southeast of Los Angeles. The young girl was in her upstairs room when she heard a noise downstairs. It was the sound of someone attempting to break into the family’s home. The intruder had already forced his way inside, and the situation quickly escalated into a dangerous scenario.
Without panicking, the 9-year-old girl took immediate action. She rushed to the phone and dialed 911, managing to stay calm enough to provide crucial details about the situation. She told dispatch supervisor Kristen Kannard, “There’s someone breaking into my house.”
The girl explained that she had heard someone open a window and then start screaming while trying to break into the home. “They broke into the window already,” she said. “I heard downstairs, ‘Open up! Open up! Open the door!’ And I heard him hitting the door.”
While the girl was on the phone with 911, the intruder was still trying to force his way into the house. The tension was rising, but the girl’s calmness was remarkable. She provided dispatchers with essential details about the intruder’s actions, including the fact that he was yelling and trying to break down the door. Her clear description allowed officers to understand the severity of the situation and respond quickly.
At the same time, the girl’s father was also reacting to the emergency. When the intruder attempted to break into the home, the father took action to defend his family. He used pepper spray to attack the intruder, forcing him to retreat and giving his daughter enough time to complete her 911 call. The quick thinking of both the girl and her father helped to prevent the situation from turning even more dangerous.
The girl’s 911 call brought officers to the scene in just three minutes, a response time that was critical in preventing the intruder from escaping. Once officers arrived, they quickly sealed off the area and began searching for the suspect. Thanks to the detailed information provided by the 9-year-old, they were able to locate the intruder, 34-year-old Jorge Mendoza Diaz, in the neighborhood and take him into custody.
Diaz was arrested on suspicion of burglary and trespassing. Police believe his actions were part of an attempted robbery, and the quick response of law enforcement ensured that he was apprehended before he could flee or cause further harm. He was booked into jail, and authorities have stated that they are continuing to investigate the incident.
In a statement, the Westminster Police Department praised the girl’s calmness and bravery during the terrifying situation. “The WPD applauds the brave actions of the nine-year-old victim, who called 911, remained calm, and provided vital information to dispatchers, significantly contributing to the suspect’s timely apprehension,” police said. “The calm nature of the nine-year-old victim can clearly be heard in the 911 call.”
The 911 call has since been made public, and many have praised the girl for how she handled the stressful situation. Despite the fear of the situation, the girl was able to stay focused and help authorities understand exactly what was happening in real-time. The dispatchers who took her call also expressed admiration for how she remained composed, even though she was clearly shaken by the events unfolding around her.
Westminster Police Chief Darin Lenyi also shared his praise for the girl’s actions. “I am very glad that the actions of both the nine-year-old and her father were such that kept the situation from possibly becoming much more serious,” Lenyi said. He also remarked on the girl’s potential future in law enforcement. “Based on her performance, I invite the nine-year-old, when she grows up, to become a member of the WPD as either a police officer or dispatcher.”
The praise from law enforcement highlights the importance of the girl’s actions in this case. Not only did she remain calm and provide critical information, but she also managed to keep her presence of mind in a situation that could have quickly spiraled out of control. Her ability to call 911 and describe the situation accurately likely played a major role in the prompt response from police.
The incident has brought attention to the value of teaching children how to respond in emergencies. The girl’s quick thinking may have saved her family from a much worse outcome. Her father’s decision to use pepper spray also helped to de-escalate the situation and allowed the girl to focus on getting help. It is a reminder of how important it is to be prepared for emergencies, and how even young children can make a difference in critical moments.
For many, the story of this 9-year-old girl serves as a powerful example of bravery, quick thinking, and the importance of staying calm under pressure. In a world where emergencies can happen at any moment, it is reassuring to know that even the youngest among us can play a key role in keeping themselves and their loved ones safe.
The Westminster community has also expressed its admiration for the young girl, with many people sharing their appreciation for her courage on social media. This incident has sparked discussions on the importance of teaching children how to respond in emergency situations, and how to stay calm when faced with a frightening or dangerous scenario.
The actions of this 9-year-old girl are a reminder that courage can come in many forms. While it may not be something we expect from children, the girl’s response shows that even in the most frightening moments, bravery can shine through. For her quick thinking and heroic actions, she will no doubt be remembered as an example of how to handle emergencies with strength and composure.
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