14-year-old stops burglar from breaking into Long Island home twice
HICKSVILLE, Long Island (WABC) -- A woman is under arrest after a 14-year-old girl stopped a suspected burglar from breaking into her Long Island home -- twice.
Police said 42-year-old Erica Mendoza-Yanes, of Hicksville, is charged with burglary and endangering the welfare of the child in connection to two separate break-in attempts at the same Hicksville home.
During the first attempt on September 19, Mendoza-Yanes allegedly tried to gain access to the home by moving a window air conditioner and reaching for the door handle, police said.
The 14-year-old victim saw the suspect and closed the door, stopping the suspect from gaining entry.
Erica Mendoza-Yanes allegedly returned to the same home Tuesday, knocked on the front door and attempted to open it. The 14-year-old girl was able to close and lock the door, police said.
The victim called her mother after both incidents, who called 911.
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