An investigation into a grand theft incident has led to the arrest of a 28-year-old Desert Hot Springs man and the recovery of $10,000 worth of stolen merchandise, the Riverside County Sheriff's Department said.
The La Quinta Special Enforcement Team (SET) led the investigation into the grand theft June 5 after the crime occurred two days prior at a business at the 79000 block of Highway 111 in La Quinta, the county's news release said.
"The business had reported similar thefts at their other locations out of the area," according to Deputy Sgt. Jamie Lewis in a June 14 release.
In connection with the latest grand theft incident, Sgt. Lewis said, La Quinta SET served a property search warrant on a house located on the 64000 block of Harvest Moon Road in Desert Hot Springs.
During the search, the team recovered $10,000 worth of stolen merchandise. Subsequently, they arrested Adrian Van Winkle of Desert Hot Springs and charged him with grand theft, felony vandalism, theft with priors and committing a felony while out on bail. Sgt. Lewis said that Van Winkle was booked at the John J. Benoit Detention Center.
Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to call Deputy Belter Martinez of the Thermal Sheriff's Station at 760-863-8990. Those who wish to remain anonymous can reach out to Crime Stoppers at 760-341-STOP.