Angels Camp, CA…On 4-7-18 at approx. 1505 hours, CCSO deputies responded to a possible burglary in progress at a residence in the 2500 block of Appaloosa Road near Angels Camp. Upon arrival deputies found the property owner blocking the drive-way with their vehicle. The property owner stated that the front door of the residence had been broken open and two male subjects were seen exiting the house. The owner blocked the drive-way and waited for law enforcement’s arrival. Deputies contacted a male suspect, identified as Steven Townsend (age 64 of Burson), in the drive-way. After Deputies confirmed that the house had been recently burglarized, Townsend was arrested for burglary and conspiracy. Deputies continued to check the area but were unable to locate the second male suspect.

On this same date at about 1841 hours, CCSO deputies responded to another burglary report at a residence in the 500 block of Appaloosa Road. Upon arrival deputies conducted a burglary investigation. A possible suspect vehicle description and license plate were given to deputies by a witness.

Later this same evening around 2125 hours, an Angels Camp Police Officer conducted a traffic stop at the Chevron in Angels Camp on a vehicle matching the description given for the possible suspects of one of the Appaloosa Road burglaries. Deputies responded and conducted an investigation. Several items located inside this vehicle were identified as being stolen from one of the Appaloosa Road burglaries. The driver of the vehicle, identified as Stephen Belt (age 40 of Sonora) was identified as the other burglary suspect and he arrested for burglary and conspiracy as well as possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. He also had 3 warrants out for his arrest from Tuolumne County. The passenger in the vehicle, identified as Riki Eltringham (age 39 of Angels Camp) was also arrested for an outstanding misdemeanor warrant out of Tuolumne County.

All three subjects were booked into the Calaveras County Jail. Deputies are conducting follow-up to the burglary reports. If anyone was in the area of Appaloosa Road on 4-7-18 during the day and has information regarding these investigations, please contact Sheriff Dispatch at (209) 754-6500.