Murphys, CA…On 7-22-16, Calaveras County Deputies received a report of a burglary in progress on the 1800 block of French Gulch Road, in Murphys. The burglary was interrupted by the homeowner and the suspect fled on foot. While deputies were responding to the area, Sheriff’s Dispatch Center received numerous calls from citizens giving updates on the suspect’s location. Citizens were able to detain the suspect until deputies arrived on scene. The suspect was identified as Joseph Michael Morgali (26 years old) from San Jose.

Citizens reported additional items taken from nearby residences. The suspect dropped one of the alleged stolen items as he fled. A backpack was found to have additional alleged stolen items; they are likely stolen but cannot be identified as such at this time.

Joseph Morgali was questioned about his reason for being in the area and he told deputies that he was here for marijuana cultivation. If you have information about this incident, or discover that you have been a victim in this incident, please contact the Calaveras County Sheriff’s Department at (209) 754-6500.

Joseph Morgali was booked on charges of burglary and possession of stolen property, bail set at $45,000.