A stranger who walked through the front door of a Burbank neighborhood apartment and walked into a bedroom where a 4-year-old girl was sleeping was arrested Sunday by the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office.

About 11:35 p.m., the man entered the apartment on Cleveland Avenue in unincorporated San Jose, according to the sheriff’s office. Several children and adults were home at the time; one of the children saw the man walk inside and immediately told the 4-year-old girl’s parents, who were in the kitchen.

The parents pushed their way into the bedroom and briefly got into a physical altercation with the man before forcing him out of the apartment, according to sheriff’s Sgt. Rick Sung.

Once outside, the adults chased the man a few blocks and waited for help to arrive, Sung said.

The episode lasted just a few minutes, as deputies quickly arrested Joe Washington, 33, of San Jose on suspicion of burglary and annoying and molesting a child, according to the Sheriff’s Office.

Washington was arrested at his residence on Vaughn Avenue, off West San Carlos Street, Sung said.

The 4-year-old girl was not hurt during the incident. The Sheriff’s Office said there is no relationship between Washington and the victim’s family.

Washington is being held without bail.

The sheriff’s office asked anyone with information about the case to contact Detective Tony Hickman at 408-808-4500. Those who want to stay anonymous may contact the Sheriff’s Tip Line at 408-808-4431.

Contact Mark Gomez at 408-920-5869.