Teenage Temecula Car Thief Caught

A 16-year-old Temecula boy was arrested on suspicion of stealing a car and a credit card from a family member.

The boy, whose name was not released because he is a minor, was arrested on suspicion of stealing at least two cars and a credit card, according to Murrieta Police Sgt. Ron Driscoll. The vehicle was reported stolen in Brea March 2.

Murrieta Police Officer Ed Vasquez spotted the vehicle, a 1996 Nissan Maxima, in the Applebee's parking lot Monday shortly before 9 p.m. Vasquez stopped the car for a traffic violation and found the suspect and 19-year-old Christopher Leeper, of Murrieta, inside.

Investigators discovered the car was reported stolen by a family member and arrested the two. They also found a credit card they believe the teen stole from a grandparent. The minor was wanted on an arrest warrant for an unrelated incident, according to Driscoll.

Leeper had a stolen cell phone on him and was arrested for possessing stolen property. The phone belonged to a relative, Driscoll said.

"The family member was contacted by officers and requested charges be filed against Leeper for the theft," Driscoll said.

The teen was processed at the Murrieta Police Department and later transported to Southwest Juvenile Hall where he was released to their custody. Leeper was booked at Southwest Detention Center.