Burglary Suspects Arrested

Mokelumne Hill, CA– A burglary investigation ended in a pursuit and two arrests this week.

The Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office reports that on Monday, deputies responded to a reported burglary in progress at the 2700 block of Spruce Gulch Road in Railroad Flat. As the deputies arrived, they were told that the suspects had fled the scene in an ATV.

Deputies located the abandoned ATV nearby which was stolen, along with numerous stolen tractor batteries. During the investigation, detectives were able to identify the two suspects as Neal Goddard, 55 of Railroad Flat, and John Westfall, 38 of Mokelumne Hill.

The next day detectives located Goddard on a motorcycle, driving on Railroad Flat Road near the South Fork Bridge. When a detective attempted to stop Goddard, a chase ensued. The pursuit ended when Goddard failed to negotiate a turn on to Sandy Gulch Road and crashed. Goddard was arrested without incident.

During a search of Goddard, a loaded handgun and a small amount of methamphetamine was found. Goddard was medically cleared at Mark Twain Hospital and later booked at the Calaveras County Jail.  He was booked for evading a peace officer, possession of stolen property, conspiracy to commit theft, felon in possession of a firearm, carry concealed weapon, vehicle theft, possession of methamphetamine and grand theft. Goddard is currently being held in lieu of $56,250 bail.

Westfall, the other burglary suspect, was arrested at his residence Tuesday without incident. He was booked at the Calaveras County Jail for possession of stolen property, vehicle theft and conspiracy to commit theft. Westfall was released from jail after posting $22,500.

Written by tina.falco@mlode.com