West Point, CA..On 11/13/16 at about 1700 hours, The Calaveras County Sheriff’s Department responded to Main Street in West Point for a reported shooting. The caller advised dispatch that the victim was shot and yelling for help near Matson Lane. The suspect fled in a white Chevrolet pickup. Deputies were unable to locate the victim when they arrived on scene. Deputies responding to the scene located the truck matching the description leaving the area. A traffic stop was conducted and the lone occupant of the vehicle was identified as 44 year old John Westfall of West Point. John Westfall was subsequently arrested for the alleged shooting.

Deputies possibly identified the victim through a witness on scene as 37 year old Richard Harding of West Point. Deputies attempted to locate Richard Harding with negative results. A deputy contacted 40 year old Jami Vierra of West Point who claimed to be Richard Harding’s girlfriend. Jami Vierra became upset and attempted to confront another witness on scene. Jami Vierra slapped and repeatedly kicked the deputy when he intervened. The deputy sustained minor injuries. Jami Vierra was arrested and booked into Calaveras County Jail for 148(a) (1) P.C. and 243(b) P.C., Bail $ 5000.

Detectives served a search warrant on John Westfall’s residence in West Point and located numerous items of contraband. Westfall was booked with additional charges as a result of the search. John Westfall was booked into the Calaveras County jail for 245(a) (2) P.C., 273(a) (a) P.C, 11377(a) H&S, and 11364(a) H&S; Bail $1,150,000.

Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office is asking the public’s assistance in locating Richard Harding. It is believed Mr. Harding sustained a lower extremity injury as a result of the shooting. If you have information regarding this incident or the whereabouts of Richard Harding, please call the Calaveras County Sheriff’s Department Anonymous Tip Line at (209) 754-6030.