EASTVALE - An Eastvale probationer who allegedly had thousands of pieces of stolen mail at his home ran from deputies, but was caught and arrested, a sergeant said today.

A routine check to see whether the suspect, later identified as Robert Godinho, was complying with the terms of his court-ordered probation was done at the home in the 13300 block of Citrus Street in Eastvale, Riverside County sheriff's Sgt. Andrew Elia said.

Deputies saw Godinho running toward the rear and Advertisement

[ Pala Mesa Resort ] chased him. While Godinho was being caught, the deputies uncovered the stolen mail they learned had been taken from Eastvale, Norco, Corona and Jurupa Valley. They also found a small quantity of methamphetamine at the home, Elia said.

The deputies were investigating a rash of mail and postal package thefts that occurred last year in the Riverside County communities. Godinho, 29, was booked for suspicion of numerous alleged offenses including theft of mail and possession of stolen property, Elia said.