March 5, 2008
Brandon Haught
Public Information Office

SHERIFF’S OFFICE ARRESTS ONE MAN, LOOKS FOR SECOND SUSPECT IN TUESDAY ROBBERY

 

One man is in custody, but Volusia County Sheriff’s Office investigators are still looking for a second suspect in a Tuesday robbery of a couple near Ormond Beach. The captured man, William Chapman, is a cousin of one of the victims and used that familiarity to lure the woman into opening her front     door shortly after midnight. Then a second man, Joseph Westfall, burst through the unlocked door, struck both victims, threatened them at gunpoint, and finally fled with cash and prescription drugs.

 

Investigators tracked down Chapman to question him due to the female victim saying that she thought she had seen him at the door. It was revealed that Chapman had been a guest at the victims' home, 1137 Avenue F, in the past and knew that the victims usually had their prescription drugs filled at the beginning of the month. When questioned by investigators, Chapman claimed to have been playing poker all night with Westfall. However, when the victims were later shown a photo lineup that included Westfall, they were able to pick him out as their assailant.

 

According to the victims, Chapman had lured them to unlock their door, giving Westfall the opportunity to get inside. He struck the female victim, causing her to fall to the floor, and then ran over and struck her husband, too. Westfall demanded prescription drugs and money, but the couple refused. Westfall then pointed a gun at the woman and said, “Do you want me to blow her head off? Give me the money. Give me the pills.” He hit the woman again and started kicking her. When he stopped, he went through both victims’ pockets, pulling out medicine and cash found there. Finally, Westfall left.

 

Westfall is a white male, approximately 5’11” tall and 171 pounds. He has brown hair and blue eyes. His last know address is 1293 Myrtle Jo Drive, Ormond Beach.

 

Chapman and Westfall both face six charges: robbery home invasion, aggravated battery, aggravated assault, grand theft, burglary to a residence, and use of a firearm during the commission of felony. Chapman was booked into the Volusia County Branch Jail in Daytona Beach without incident.

 

Anyone with information about Westfall is asked to contact investigator Richard Fortin at (386) 323-0151 or Crime Stoppers of Northeast Florida, toll-free, at (888) 277-TIPS. Callers to Crime Stoppers will remain anonymous and can qualify for a reward of up to $1,000.