Repeat offender faces burglary charge

Kootenai County Sheriff’s Department news release:

At about 1 p.m. Saturday, deputies were called to the 1600 block of North McGuire Road, near Post Falls, for a possible burglary in progress. A Post Falls Police officer arrived first and detained a male, later identified as Cody O. Westlake, 44, of Post Falls, inside a barn on private property. During questioning, Westlake said he was just driving by the barn and wanted to have a look inside.  Deputies found pry tools and fresh damage to the barn doors as well as pointed out that there were several “no trespassing” signs all over the barn.  Additionally, the barn has been the victim of numerous burglaries over the years. Westlake was charged with attempted burglary, malicious injury to property, possession of a controlled substance (marijuana) and possession of drug paraphernalia.  Westlake has a lengthy criminal history in Kootenai County, spanning 25 years.  He’s been booked into the Kootenai County Jail 25 times for a variety of offenses to include burglary, theft, probation violation and forgery. Westlake is currently being held without bail pending first appearance. (Jail booking photo of Cody O. Westlake)