Chase And Burglary Fugitive Caught

Sonora, CA — The suspect that led law enforcement on a high-speed chase after several attempted burglaries in Tuolumne County is behind bars after being arrested in a neighboring county.

Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Department, acting on a tip helped collar the fugitive, 31-year-old Joshua Willis, of Tuolumne. Deputies surrounded a motel in Salida where he was hiding out, according to Tuolumne County Sheriff’s Department spokesperson Deputy Rob Lyons. Sharing more details, Lyons states, “Willis tried to go out a back bathroom window, where he was captured by several units as well as a dog.”

As previously reported, Willis was a wanted suspect in connection with last Tuesday’s high-speed chase along Highway 108 and three attempted burglaries that include trying to steal an ATM machine from a Jamestown convenience store, and break-ins at both a Twain Harte bar and Mi-Wuk Village store.

Willis faces several felony charges that include: evading a peace officer while driving recklessly; evading a peace officer with disregard for safety; two counts of burglary theft; grand theft worth over $950; obstructing or resisting a police officer; force or assault with a deadly weapon other than a firearm; unlawful use of identifying information; trespassing; failure to appear on a felony charge; conspiracy to commit a crime; and two counts of violation of probation. His bail is set at $65,000.

As first reported by Clarke Broadcasting, 31-year-old James Wood of Sonora was arrested in connection with the burglaries following a stakeout at a residence in Star Mobile Estates on Jamestown Road the day of the crimes.