Crime & Safety
Murrieta Police Recover Stolen Motorcyle, Arrest Suspect
James L. Stepp, 43, of Mission Viejo, was arrested on suspicion of possession of a stolen motorcycle, possession of stolen property and possession of a controlled substance.
A stolen motorcycle was recovered and the suspected thief arrested, Murrieta police said Tuesday.
On Monday, four days after a resident reported the motorcycle stolen, he called police to say he had spotted someone driving it through Murrieta, according to Sgt. Don Weller.
It was around 4 p.m. when the victim lost sight of the motorcycle as it exited Interstate 15 at the northbound California Oaks Road offramp, Weller said.
Murrieta police responded by searching the area and were successful in locating two suspects who matched the description of those allegedly seen riding on the motorcycle, Weller said.
Officers found the motorcycle in question at the at 40648 California Oaks Road and took both suspects into custody pending investigation, Weller said.
"A check of the VIN on the motorcycle revealed it was in fact the same motorcycle reported stolen earlier by the victim," Weller said.
The alleged driver of the motorcycle, James L. Stepp, 43, of Mission Viejo, was arrested on suspicion of possession of a stolen motorcyle, possession of stolen property and possession of a controlled substance.
Officers released the other rider after determining they were not involved in the theft.
Stepp was released the same day from the Southwest Detention Center on $5,000 bail, according to jail records.
Anyone with information regarding the investigation was asked to call the on-duty watch commander at 951-696-3615. Tips can also be provided anonymously through “We Tip” at 1-800-78-Crime.
