Fairfax County police say a 911 hang-up phone call led to the arrest of a 16-year-old who allegedly broke into a home with the intent to sexually assault an elderly woman. After receiving the call, Dec. 23, at 10:30 p.m., officers responded to a home in the 14600 block of Northwest Place in Chantilly.

There, an officer from the Sully District Police Station found the distraught homeowner being followed by the teen inside her home. Police say he claimed to be her grandson, but she denied it and the officer tried to detain him. He attempted to flee but was quickly taken into custody.

Detectives from the Major Crimes Bureau determined that the woman heard a knock on her door and was confronted by the juvenile suspect, who then allegedly forced his way into the home. According to police, the woman “tried to call 911 but was [reportedly] assaulted by the suspect, preventing her from relaying information. The suspect forced the victim to a bedroom and his further assault was stopped when officers arrived.”

Police charged the teen with burglary with intent to rape, abduction with intent to defile, preventing a 911 call, and assault and battery.

Detectives are asking anyone with information about this incident to call the Major Crimes Bureau at 703-246-7800, option 3. Tips may also be submitted anonymously via Crime Solvers by phoning 1-866-411-TIPS (866-411-8477).

--Bonnie Hobbs