Ernie Haire III hides in closet to avoid arrest on contempt charge, deputies say

LUTZ — Ernest Haire III, the former president and co-owner of Ernie Haire Ford, tried to hide from deputies who went to his home Thursday to arrest him for contempt of court, the Sheriff's Office reported.

When deputies arrived at Haire's home at Avila Golf and Country Club, he didn't answer the door, but deputies could see him inside, said Sheriff's Office spokeswoman Debbie Carter.

Deputies entered through an open window and found him hiding in his closet, she said.

Haire's attorney could not be reached late Thursday afternoon.

Haire owes $119,875 in his divorce from his now-ex-wife Tracy Hendershot, records show.

In addition to being charged with contempt of court, Haire was charged with obstructing or opposing an officer without violence because he hid from deputies, Carter said.

Haire was arrested on March 23 on a contempt-of-court charge, accused of not paying alimony. A booking record from that arrest showed he was ordered to pay $7,000 or spend five months and 29 days in jail. Additionally, he owes attorney's fees, the report said.