Sex offender accused of attempting to break into home where child was alone

A convicted sex offender was arrested after allegedly trying to break into a Twentynine Palms home where a 12-year-old was home alone, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department confirmed.

According to the sheriff’s department, Steven McLaughlin, 31, was seen wandering through a property on the 75900 block of Amboy Road. The 12-year-old in the home called their parents who then called 911.

When deputies arrived, McLaughlin was gone but he was found nearby not too long after the call.

McLaughlin had just recently been released from jail. A sheriff’s spokesperson said had been released on March 28.

Following this most recent arrest, deputies learned he was wanted for parole violation. He was also in violation of his sex offender status for failing to register.

The sheriff’s spokesperson told News Channel 3 McLaughlin faces charges of attempted burglary and parole violation. He is being held at the West Valley Detention in Rancho Cucamonga on a no-hold bail due to his parole violation.

He is scheduled to appear in court on April 3.