Repeat offender arrested for burglary

POST FALLS — A 44-year-old Post Falls man who has been booked into the local jail 25 times over the past 25 years was arrested again on Saturday in Post Falls after he was caught for allegedly attempting to burglarize a barn.

Cody O. Westlake was arrested for attempted burglary, malicious injury to property, possession of a controlled substance (marijuana) and possession of drug paraphernalia after the alleged incident in the 1600 block of North McGuire Road. 

Deputies were called to the farm just before 1 p.m. for a possible burglary in progress.

A Post Falls Police officer arrived first and detained Westlake inside a barn on private property until deputies arrived. 

The elderly male property owner told the officer he believed somebody was in his barn. The officer said he heard what sounded like wooden boards being moved inside the barn. After the officer yelled for the suspect to come out, Westlake stepped outside and complied with the officer's commands to walk toward him. Westlake was detained without incident.

During questioning by the deputies, Westlake said he was just driving by the barn and wanted to have a look inside, a Kootenai County Sheriff's Office press release states.

Deputies found pry tools and fresh damage to the barn doors. They also pointed out that there were several “No Trespassing” signs on the barn. Additionally, the barn has been burglarized several over the years.

Westlake' criminal history includes burglary, theft, probation violation and forgery.