'Armed and Dangerous' Felon Arrested in Rancho Mirage Motorcycle Theft

A Desert Hot Springs man who allegedly tried to run from police was behind bars Thursday, suspected in the theft of a pricey Rancho Mirage motorcycle, police said.

43-year-old John Faile was arrested Wednesday night when investigators from the Palm Desert sheriff's station served a warrant in Thousand Palms, according to Sergeant Brad Farwell.

"Faile had a no bail felony warrant for violating his parole," Farwell said.  "Faile was on parole for robbery and was considered armed and dangerous."

The alleged violation of that parole came when police say he's suspected of stealing an "expensive motorcycle"— a Ducati— from a home in Rancho Mirage in March.  The frame to that bike was found early this month in Palm Desert, "confirming the stolen motorcycle had been stripped of its parts," Farwell said.

"Faile's motorcycle was examined and it was discovered motorcycle parts from the stolen motorcycle in Rancho Mirage were on Faile's motorcycle," the sergeant said.  "Faile was arrested for possession of stolen property and the no bail felony warrant."

The owner of the stolen motorcycle was able to ID his parts, according to officials.

"The owner identified his parts because they're custom made," said Corporal Angel Ramos, who said sheriff's officials still had to get the Ducati's value from the owner.

Before police arrested the man, he apparently tried to run away.  Farwell said that "after a short foot pursuit," he was taken into custody.

Jail records indicate the felon has a court date scheduled for May 3.

Ducatis can range in price from $9,300 to about $30,000, depending on the model, according to Ducati's website.