MEDIA RELEASE
Contact: Sgt Chris Hewitt
Release Date: 04/11/12 Release Time: Immediate
Time: 1030 Release Number: 1
Three Men Arrested in Residential Burglary Investigation
(Railroad Flat, CA) On 03/30/12 Calaveras Sheriff’s Deputies were dispatched to the 1500 block of Top Dollar Road in Railroad Flat for a report of a residential burglary. The deputies found that numerous buildings, including homes, garages, and shops on the property had been forcefully entered. Sheriff’s Detectives were called to the scene to assist in the investigation. During the investigation the deputies learned that numerous vehicles, tools, guns, jewelry, and other items had been stolen. The total dollar amount of the stolen items exceeded $112,000.00. The total value of the damage to the buildings was in excess of $28,000.00.
On the same date, on an unrelated contact approximately 3 miles from the burglary scene, deputies spoke with Donald Tarrance (57) of Railroad Flat. Mr. Tarrance was found to be in possession of a stolen Honda ATV that was one of the vehicles stolen from the Top Dollar Road burglary. Further investigation revealed an altered vehicle identification number on his personally owned vehicle. Mr. Tarrance admitted that he purchased the stolen ATV from an acquaintance.
On 04/04/12 Sheriff’s Deputies conducted a traffic stop in Valley Springs on Ismael Marquez (34) of West Point and Micah Spearing (39) of West Point. During the stop Mr. Marquez was found to be under the influence of a controlled substance and in possession of a firearm. Mr. Spearing, a passenger in the vehicle, was found to be in possession of a stolen jacket. The firearm and jacket had been stolen from the Top Dollar Road burglary. Spearing is also a suspect in connection with the stolen and recovered ATV. Both subjects were booked into the Calaveras County jail. Additionally, upon being booked into the jail, Mr. Spearing was found to be in possession of a baggie of suspected methamphetamine.
Search warrants were obtained and served during this investigation. It is suspected that several people may be involved in the burglary. The investigation into this case is ongoing, and more information will be provided as it becomes available.
If anyone should have any information to aid in the investigation of this case please call the Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office Detective Division at 209-754-6500. You can remain anonymous.
