Burglary Investigation ends in Pursuit and Arrest

Release Date: 07/28/2011

Time: 1500 hrs

Release Time: 1500 hrs

Release Number: 01

Late Monday afternoon (07/25/11) Sheriffs deputies responded to a reported burglary in progress at

the 2700 block of Spruce Gulch Rd. in Railroad Flat. As the deputies arrived they were advised the

suspects had fled the scene in an ATV (stolen out of Jackson) possibly followed by the reporting party.

Deputies located the suspects' ATV abandoned nearby which was stolen along with numerous stolen

tractor batteries. During the investigation, detectives were able to identify the two suspects, Neal

Goddard (age 55 of Railroad Flat) and John Westfall (age 38 of Mokelumne Hill).

On Tuesday afternoon (7/26/11) detectives were conducting follow up when Goddard was observed

driving by on Railroad Flat Rd near the south fork bridge on a motorcycle. A detective attempted to

stop Goddard and a chase ensued. The pursuit ended when Goddard failed to negotiate a turn on to

Sandy Gulch Rd and crashed. Goddard was arrested without incident. During a search of Goddard he

was discovered to be in possession of a loaded handgun and a small amount of methamphetamine.

Goddard was medically cleared at Mark Twain Hospital and later booked at the Calaveras County Jail.

Goddard was booked for evading a peace officer, possession of stolen property (ATV), conspiracy to

commit theft, felon in possession of a firearm, carry concealed weapon, vehicle theft (ATV),

possession of methamphetamine and grand theft. Goddard is currently being held in lieu of $56,250

bail.

Westfall was arrested at his residence Tuesday (7/26/11) without incident. Westfall 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 bail.