Woodruff sentenced to two years for evading arrest

JAMES WOODRUFF, first row, second from right, was sentenced to two years for evading arrest. He was originally arrested on kidnapping and attempted murder charges. Democrat photo by Cole Mayer

A man originally arrested on kidnapping and attempted murder charges was sentenced for evading arrest on Dec. 3.

Dustin Woodruff, 27, appeared in court after having his judgment and sentencing hearing pushed back for medical reasons, defense attorney David Brooks told the court, but was now in good health and ready for the hearing to begin.

Judge Douglas C. Phimister agreed and began by noting that Woodruff was being denied probation in one case. For the other charge, evading arrest, Phimister sentenced Woodruff to the midterm of two years with the Department of Correction and $550 in fines and fees. He will receive half-time credit. He will also be required to submit a DNA sample. The charge related to Woodruff being in possession of a stolen vehicle was dropped.

Phimister also told Woodruff two cases of violation of probation would simply result in the probation being terminated as unsuccessful, with the associated fines stayed.

Woodruff was originally arrested on counts of kidnapping and attempted murder, related to an incident involving the alleged shooting and beating of Bryan Santana, 35, of Placerville, on July 2, but prosecutor Gloria Mas confirmed that the District Attorney’s Office only dealt with the two charges related to evading arrest and the stolen vehicle.

Santana was allegedly kidnapped and shot by Woodruff, with Santana later visiting Marshall Hospital with what he said were injuries from a motorcycle accident before later admitting he had been shot. Woodruff was on probation and had outstanding out-of-county arrest warrants. As he had allegedly violated his terms of probation, he avoided contact from law enforcement. Further investigation led to suspicion that Woodruff may have committed multiple property crimes around the county.

Deputies spotted Woodruff driving a Meeks Lumber pickup truck on Highway E-16 just after 2:30 p.m. on Sept. 25. Deputies discovered the truck had allegedly been stolen from the lumber company in Amador County and an attempt was made to stop the vehicle. Woodruff ignored the deputies and a chase ensued.

Spike strips were used, but Woodruff continued to drive on flat tires. A few miles later, however, Woodruff lost control of the vehicle and ran into an embankment, putting an end to the 16-mile, 23-minute chase. The truck rolled over and Woodruff attempted to flee.

He was captured by deputies a short distance from the overturned truck.

Cole Mayer

Cole Mayer started writing for the Mountain Democrat in early 2012. He has written news, features and opinions in the past, and currently works the crime, court and fire beat.

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