A 9-Year-Old Hero — How One Brave Call Thwarted a Break-In in Westminster

In a chilling yet inspiring story out of Orange County, California, a 9-year-old girl is being hailed as a hero after her composure and quick thinking helped stop a burglary in progress — and possibly saved her family from a much more dangerous situation.

The incident occurred around 5:53 p.m. on April 3, 2025, in a quiet neighborhood near Magnolia Street and Bolsa Avenue in Westminster. Alone upstairs, the young girl dialed 911 from her cell phone as she realized someone was attempting to break into her home through a downstairs window.

“There’s someone breaking into my house,” she told the dispatcher in a calm and steady voice — a remarkable display of courage for someone so young, especially under such terrifying circumstances.

As the dispatcher, Kristen Kannard, continued to gather critical details, the girl remained composed, describing in real-time how the intruder had broken a window and was now inside the home. The man — later identified as 34-year-old Jorge Mendoza Diaz — was estimated to be in his 30s, and at one point could be heard knocking on a door inside the house.

While the girl stayed on the line with dispatch, she revealed that her family was downstairs. When asked if her parents were with her, she responded, “No, I’m really scared... I hear them coming upstairs.”

It’s impossible to imagine what was going through her mind — alone, terrified, and with the threat drawing closer — but she stayed on the call and continued to provide crucial information.

Moments later, her voice is heard off the phone, yelling to her family, “I called the police already! I locked the door!”

Unknown to her, her actions were already making a difference. Officers from Westminster PD were en route and would arrive within just three minutes of her call.

In the meantime, the girl’s father confronted the intruder in the kitchen, managed to pepper spray him, and forcibly dragged him out of the house. Diaz fled, jumping a nearby fence and attempting to hide in a neighbor’s backyard, but with officers already on the scene, he was quickly apprehended without further incident.

According to police, Diaz was arrested for residential burglary and trespassing. Officials believe this was an isolated incident and confirmed there is no ongoing threat to the community.

The Westminster Police Department publicly commended the girl's actions, stating her calm demeanor and detailed call were instrumental in the rapid response and ultimate arrest. Chief Lenyi even extended an open invitation for her to consider a future career in law enforcement, saying, “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.”

This story serves as a powerful reminder of how courage, preparedness, and clear communication — even from the youngest among us — can make all the difference. One brave child’s voice helped protect her family, her home, and her neighborhood.

Source: KTLA