Sheriff Dept Press release re:Stolen Property Recovered in Valley Springs, Felon Arrested

On 03/22/2012 at approx. 6:30 PM Calaveras Sheriff’s deputies received a report from Donald Parker that his wood splitter had been stolen from a property in the 5000 block of Carol Lane in Burson, and that a neighbor advised him that he had seen suspicious persons on the property. A stolen property report was completed.

At approx. 11:30 PM on the same date the deputies were dispatched to the 700 block of Quail Oaks Road in Valley Springs for a suspicious vehicle. The deputies contacted the vehicle and its occupants and learned that the occupants where looking for a Michael Duncan. The property owner told the deputies that Mr. Duncan lived in a trailer at the rear of the property as a caretaker. While looking around the property the deputies located what appeared to be the previously reported stolen wood splitter. The Deputies eventually were able to locate Michael Eugene Duncan (45) of Valley Springs at the Quail Oaks Road address. Upon further investigation and after conferring with Mr. Parker, the deputies confirmed that the found wood splitter was indeed the one stolen from Mr. Parker. The splitter had been altered to change its appearance in an attempt to avoid detection from law enforcement. During a subsequent search illegally possessed ammunition was also located on the property. Duncan is currently in custody at the Calaveras County jail on charges of possession of stolen property and being a felon in possession of live ammunition. This case is still under investigation.