Overnight Alarm Leads to Commercial Burglary Arrests in Palo Alto

By Renee Schiavone and Bay City News Service:

Two men were arrested in Palo Alto last week for trying to burglarize a market, police said Monday.

It all started around 2 a.m. Thursday, when police officers got notified of a burglary alarm going off at The Fresh Market at 2170 West Bayshore Road, according to Palo Alto Police Sgt. Kara Apple.     

Arriving officers found an unlocked second-story door and entered the market, which was closed at the time.

"The officers opened the door, identified themselves as police and shouted several times into the business for anyone inside to come out," Apple said in a press release.

One suspect, who was later identified as J. Robyn Welch, 52, of San Pablo, came outside and was detained without incident. Further investigation led police to Welch's Ford pickup, which was parked nearby on an on-ramp to northbound U.S. Highway 101 at Embarcadero Road.  There, a second suspect, James Carlson Goucher, 57, of Vallejo, was found inside the truck, Apple said.

Goucher was allegedly in possession of methamphetamine, she saidsaid.

Both men were arrested and booked at Santa Clara County Jail on suspicion of commercial burglary and conspiracy. Goucher was booked for an additional count of drug possession.

No one was injured during the course of the burglary and police believe the two men didn't have to force their way into the building.

"Police believe the second-floor door had been accidentally left unlocked, and that was how the primary suspect gained entry to the building," Apple said.

Police are investigating whether the suspects are connected to any other burglaries in the area. Anyone who might have information about the suspects or the case is asked to contact Palo Alto police at (650) 329-2413.


Copyright © 2014 by Bay City News, Inc. -- Republication, Rebroadcast or any other Reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited.