California man accused of holding woman against her will, claiming she was a burglar

MORENO VALLEY, Calif. -- A California man accused of holding at least one female victim captive tried to tell police she had burglarized his home, according to law enforcement officials.

Moreno Valley, California Sheriff's deputies responded just after 9:20 a.m. Sunday for a reported residential burglary.

Gilberto Puga, 53, said two female suspects burglarized his home, but police had also received a call for two female victims screaming for help at the same location.

Puga was uncooperative, police said, and the two female victims were seen walking away from the home.

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Police said an investigation revealed the two victims had not burglarized the home, but at least one was locked inside and held against her will.

A warrant was issued for Puga's arrest, and he was taken into custody for false imprisonment and torture on Monday.

The torture charge was later dropped.

He was being held on $1,000,000 bond.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Moreno Valley Sheriff's Station at (951) 486-6700.