14-Year-Old Girl Scares Burglar Away From Home In Loma Linda

LOMA LINDA (CBSLA.com) — Deputies Wednesday sought the public's help to locate a man who attempted to burglarize a home in Loma Linda.

Just before noon on Tuesday, deputies responded to a home located in the 11000 block of Vollmer Drive for report of a residential burglary in progress.

Upon their arrival, authorities met a 14-year-old female resident who explained a male suspect had entered her home.

A preliminary investigation revealed the suspect entered through an unsecured pedestrian door at the back of the garage and then gained access to the kitchen. Once inside, the suspect was met by the unsuspecting teenager.

Deputies said the suspect immediately turned and fled from the home on foot. The victim then called her mom in a state of panic, who then reported the incident to law enforcement.

Her mom was also panicked.

"[I felt] panic. Panic," said the teen's mom. We are referring to the mom as "Jennifer."

"As a parent, you want to stay on the phone with them to make sure they are safe," Jennifer said, "but somebody had to also call 911."

CBS2's Tom Wait spoke to the teen Wednesday. We are referring to her as "Allison."

The teen told Wait she was relieved that nothing serious occurred but that she will have sleepless nights until the suspect is apprehended.

The encounter only lasted a few brief moments but Allison, of course, said she was scared.

"He just stared at me," she said, "he started talking and then closed the door."

No injuries were reported, and no property was taken from the residence, officials said.

"He said, 'Oops, wrong house,'" Allison said.

According to deputies, a suspicious vehicle was seen in the area just before the incident occurred.

An extensive area search for the suspect was unsuccessful.

Detectives described the suspect as a thin adult black male who is believed to be in his mid 20s. He was last seen wearing dark clothing.

The suspect vehicle was described as a 1990s Honda Civic or Accord. The vehicle is dark in color and possibly has front hood damage.

"I'm still scared," said Allison, "But I'm better than yesterday."

Anyone with information related to this investigation is urged to contact the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department at (909) 387-3545.