FONTANA, Calif. — A Fontana woman in her mid-70s proved age is just a number when she courageously fought off a man posing as a utility inspector in her home, helping lead police to a suspect wanted in multiple states.
Sammie Holguin, 75, says she initially believed the man was there to inspect her water lines, given his convincing appearance and professional demeanor. But things quickly took a turn when she realized something wasn’t right.
A Suspicious Encounter Turns Violent
“He looked the part — uniform, clipboard, everything,” Holguin said. “But when he started acting strange, I knew something was off.”
Holguin, who uses a cane to walk, confronted the man and demanded he leave her house. As she ushered him toward the stairs, she spotted something that confirmed her suspicions — her pink wallet visibly stuffed into the back pocket of the supposed inspector.
Without hesitation, Holguin sprang into action. “I just grabbed him, shoved him into the bathroom door frame, yanked my wallet back, and shoved it down my pants to hide it,” she said. “It went all the way to my knees. Then we started tussling.”
Despite the physical struggle, the man managed to flee the home. Determined not to let him get away, Holguin gave chase down the street before eventually calling the police when he slipped out of sight.
Longtime Suspect Caught Mid-Scam
Fontana police quickly connected the attempted robbery to a broader investigation. According to Officer Steve Reed, detectives were able to track down the suspect — identified as 52-year-old Rocky Marks — while he was allegedly attempting the same scam on another elderly resident in the Los Angeles area.
“When detectives found him, he was already speaking with another senior, trying to use the same ruse,” said Reed.
Marks was taken into custody and now faces multiple felony charges, including robbery, burglary, elder abuse, and theft from an elder. Authorities believe he had been operating under various aliases and using a collection of different work uniforms to gain the trust of unsuspecting seniors.
Decades-Long Scheme Uncovered
“This is someone who’s been doing this for a long time,” Reed said. “He’s been arrested for similar crimes across several states over the past 20 years.”
Police also linked Marks to another recent case in Fontana where he allegedly stole jewelry from an elderly woman after gaining access to her home. Investigators believe there may be more victims scattered throughout Southern California, some of whom may not have come forward due to embarrassment or fear.
“A lot of seniors don’t report these crimes,” Reed noted. “They’re ashamed, or they don’t want to worry their families.”
A Message of Strength and Awareness
Holguin, despite her close call, has no regrets about standing up for herself. “He pushed the side of my head, but I was dancing with him,” she joked. “I think he was the one surprised.”
Though grateful the suspect is now behind bars, Holguin admits she’s still harboring some frustration.
“If I had a million dollars, I’d bail him out just to get another crack at him,” she said. “That’s how mad I was.”
Her story has since become a reminder for others — especially the elderly — to stay vigilant and question anyone attempting to enter their homes without proper verification.
Police urge community members to verify identification before letting any worker into their home and to report suspicious activity immediately.
As for Holguin, she may walk with a cane, but her story is proof that courage — and quick thinking — can make all the difference.
