Man Arrested for Attempted Sexual Assault in Madera, CA

UPDATE: A man has been arrested in Madera, California, for an attempted sexual assault on a teen girl, according to the Madera Police Department. The incident unfolded early Saturday morning, around 3 a.m., when police received an urgent call about an unknown man inside a home.

Upon arrival, officers spotted 43-year-old Hilario Morales-Santiago fleeing from the back of the residence. This led to a brief pursuit before he was apprehended. Morales-Santiago has been booked into Madera County Jail on two felony charges related to the attempted assault.

The investigation revealed that Morales-Santiago entered the victim’s room and attempted to commit a sexual act. The young girl woke up to find him in her space and immediately yelled for him to leave before calling the police. Her quick thinking likely prevented a more serious incident.

Authorities confirm that Morales-Santiago is not a newcomer to the police radar; he is known to the Madera Police Department due to previous similar investigations. Given his history, officials are concerned there may be more victims who have yet to come forward.

The Madera Police Department urges anyone with information regarding Morales-Santiago or similar unreported incidents to contact them or reach out to Crime Stoppers at (559) 498-STOP.

This shocking incident serves as a reminder of the critical importance of community vigilance. Stay alert and report any suspicious activity to ensure the safety of our neighborhoods. As this story develops, more updates are expected, and authorities continue to investigate the possibility of additional victims.