Sexual assault suspect chased down by victim’s brother in Santa Ana and arrested

A man who allegedly broke into a Santa Ana apartment and sexually assaulted a sleeping woman Tuesday, Dec. 10, was arrested after the victim’s brother chased the suspect down and held him until officers arrived, police said.

David Ceja, 38, of Santa Ana allegedly got into an apartment in the 1300 block of South Standard Avenue about 6:20 a.m. and sexually assaulted the resident as she slept, according to Santa Ana police Cpl. Anthony Bertagna.

The woman woke as he was fondling her and shouted for help, Bertagna alleged. Ceja attempted to run away.

“Her brother wakes up, sees the guy running out and the chase is on,” Bertagna said.

The brother ran Ceja down and held him until police arrived and took the suspect to a hospital to be treated for injuries suffered in the scuffle with the victim’s sibling, Bertagna said.

Ceja was booked on suspicion of burglary and sexual assault, Bertagna said.