Man arrested after breaking into Disneyland amid temporary closure, police say

ANAHEIM (KABC) -- Police say an 18-year-old man was arrested after he broke into Disneyland Sunday night amid the park's temporary closure due to the novel coronavirus pandemic.

Jeremiah Smith, a transient resident of Anaheim, was seen jumping over a gate into the back lot of California Adventure, according to the Anaheim Police Department.

Officers responded to the scene and found the man in the park around 11 p.m. near a construction site by the Guardians of the Galaxy ride.

Police believe the suspect's motive may have been to steal items or equipment from the construction site.

Police say Smith was arrested, cited for trespassing and then released.

The Walt Disney Co. on Thursday announced the temporary closure of the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim in response to the expanding threat posed by the coronavirus pandemic.