A 12-year-old in Medford, N.Y., escaped harm after hearing glass break and spotting an intruder on Dec. 23. He jumped out of his bedroom window, hid in the backyard and called 911 at about 12:50 p.m.; officers arrived within three minutes and found 53-year-old Christian Garcia inside. The child, Tristen Taylor, was uninjured and praised by his grandmother as the family's "little hero." Garcia was charged with third-degree burglary and possession of burglar's tools.
Home Alone Hero: 12-Year-Old Calls 911 After Burglar Enters Medford Home — Suspect Arrested
CBS New York/YouTubeTristen Taylor
A quick-thinking 12-year-old on Long Island helped bring a suspected burglar to justice after hearing glass break and discovering an intruder in his Medford, N.Y., home on Tuesday, Dec. 23.
According to a Suffolk County Police Department press release, the boy, identified as Tristen Taylor, left his bedroom by jumping out a window and moved to the backyard when he realized someone was inside. He called 911 at approximately 12:50 p.m.
Rapid Police Response
Officers arrived within three minutes and located a 53-year-old man, later identified as Christian Garcia, inside the home. Police say Garcia had broken a window to gain entry. Tristen was not injured.
“I said to myself, 'I have to get out of the house,'” said Tristen, recalling the frightening moment to KCRG-TV.
Tristen’s grandmother, Timothea Taylor, called him the family’s “little hero” and praised his composure for calling the police so quickly.
Authorities charged Christian Garcia with third-degree burglary and possession of burglar’s tools. It was not immediately clear whether he has entered a plea or retained an attorney to speak on his behalf.
Why it matters: The incident underscores the importance of staying calm and contacting emergency services quickly in a home-invasion situation. Swift police response helped ensure the child’s safety and led to an arrest.
