Murrieta Man Searching for Car Stolen in Temecula

A Murrieta man whose car was stolen Saturday afternoon outside of the Berean Christian Store in Temecula is hoping that the public can help him recover his vehicle.

“It’s kind of ironic that it happened there of all places,” said Michael Johnson. 

Johnson arrived at the store around 1 p.m., and after purchasing a few items made his way to the Temecula Promenade, where he said hello to some friends he used to work with. At about 3 p.m., he went back to where he had parked his car, only to find it gone.

“I knew exactly where I had parked,” he said. “I realized what happened, and went into the store to call the police.”

According to Johnson, the Berean employees were “shocked” the incident had occurred.

The stolen car is a black, 1996 Chrysler Sebring convertible. What has Johnson concerned is that in addition to his personal cell phone, he had also left a notebook and several items related to his work with California for Liberty, a political action committee.

“My cell phone has a lot of numbers in there, and my work notebook had all my hours,” he said. “It’s really frustrating, because usually when someone steals a car they take everything out and throw it away.” 

Johnson is hopeful that not only will his car be found, but also his personal items.

“My notebook started out as political thoughts in a journal,” he said. “Then I started using it as a workbook. It has sentimental value to me.”

Anyone with any information is asked to please call the Temecula Police Department at 951-696-3000.