Repeat Offender Allegedly Goes on Car Theft Spree

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by Rebecca O'Connor , January 5, 2016

Earnie Hooks

On November 21, 2015, The Palm Desert Station Burglary Suppression Unit assumed an investigation into multiple burglaries in the cities of Palm Desert and Indian Wells. According to a press release from the Riverside Sheriff’s Department, the suspect entered victims’ garages in various country clubs and private residences, stealing their vehicles, personal property, and golf clubs. Several of these stolen luxury vehicles were later recovered at a chop-shop in the Los Angeles area.

On January 2, 2016, the Burglary Suppression Unit located the suspect responsible for the burglaries at a hotel in the city of Rancho Mirage. The suspect was taken into custody and evidence was found linking him to the burglaries and stolen cars.

41-year-old Los Angeles resident Earnie Hooks was arrested for multiple counts of burglary, grand theft, petty theft, and vehicle theft. He was booked into the Riverside County Jail located in the city of Indio.

This was not the first offense for Hooks who apparently has a penchant for fine vehicles.

In September 2014, according to KTLA, Hooks was arrested for stealing the same Ferrari twice. Hooks allegedly fled a DUI checkpoint in Fontana when the stolen vehicle was identified, escaping, and then dumping the car.

The Ferrari was later found abandoned in the area of the Village of Heritage and taken to a local impound, where it was stolen a second time.

Hooks was located by detectives five days later allegedly driving the stolen vehicle in Studio City. He was subsequently arrested and taken to West Valley Detention Center. However, according to authorities he has not learned his lesson.

The Palm Desert Sheriff’s Station is actively investigating this crime and pursuing all available leads.  Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact Deputy C. Gelinas at (760) 836-1746, or they can call anonymously at (760) 341-STOP (7867).