Crime & Safety

$10K In Stolen La Quinta Merchandise Found Inside Suspect's Home: Cops

Cops say they served a warrant at the Harvest Moon Road home of a suspect on bail for other crimes & found stolen merchandise inside.

LA QUINTA, CA — A 28-year-old man was arrested Tuesday for allegedly having about $10,000 worth of stolen merchandise from a La Quinta business.

Adrian Nicholas Vanwinkle of Desert Hot Springs was arrested Tuesday morning following a grand theft investigation by the La Quinta Special Enforcement Team, according to the Riverside County Sheriff's Department.

Officers searched a residence in the 64000 block of Harvest Moon Road on Tuesday, where they allegedly found the stolen merchandise.

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On June 5, a business in the 79000 block of Highway 111 reported a grand theft incident from two days prior, and also similar thefts at their other locations out of the area, according to authorities.

Vanwinkle was arrested on suspicion of grand theft, felony vandalism, theft with priors and committing a felony while on bail.

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According to court records, Vanwinkle was on bail for battery and illegal firearm possession due to a temporary restraining order. He also has prior burglary and shoplifting convictions.

Vanwinkle was booked into the John J. Benoit Detention Center and was being held in lieu of $30,000.

Anyone with information on this case is encouraged to call Deputy Belter Martinez at the Thermal Sheriff’s Station by calling (760)863-8990, or Crime Stoppers at (760)341-STOP (7867).