Suspect arrested for robbing occupied Santa Maria home Saturday morning

SANTA MARIA, Calif. - A 42-year-old man was arrested on Saturday morning for breaking into a woman's home on the 300 block of E. Dena Street. The incident occurred just before 11:00 a.m., prompting the woman to contact the Santa Maria Police Department (SMPD) for assistance.

While the woman reported the break-in, she informed authorities that her young son was still inside the home and unable to exit. This heightened the urgency of the situation for the police, who quickly surrounded the residence.

Officers successfully ensured the child's safety by retrieving him from the house before proceeding to deal with the suspect. After some time, the man exited the home without further incident and was taken into custody.

Following the arrest, the 42-year-old Santa Maria resident was booked at the Santa Barbara County Jail. The SMPD confirmed that he faces felony charges related to the burglary and break-in.

This incident highlights the swift response of law enforcement in ensuring the safety of a child while apprehending a suspect.