NEWBURY PARK : Limousine Driver Arrested in Theft

A driver for a Newbury Park limousine service was arrested on suspicion of being in possession of a stolen auto Monday, about 24 hours after he radioed a dispatcher that he was sick, then disappeared with a stretch limousine, authorities said.

Ventura County sheriff’s deputies said police arrested Gregory Allen Lee as he attempted to walk away from the limousine in Van Nuys about 7:30 p.m. Monday. The vehicle was stripped of most of its contents, authorities said.

“The guy’s in custody. He’s telling a story about being kidnaped,” Sheriff’s Sgt. Terry Hughes said.

Deputies said they answered a call Sunday night from the limousine company after a dispatcher reported that Lee had called in to say he had passed out and did not know where he was.

Lee, 39, of Simi Valley then told the dispatcher that he was at a gas station in Chatsworth, company officials said. But Los Angeles police who went to that location could not find him.

Lee had not been in contact with any family members since he disappeared about 7 p.m. Sunday, said Ventura County Sheriff’s Detective Ernie Montagna.

Montagna said officials received reports throughout Monday about sightings of white stretch limousines similar to the one Lee was driving.

Lee had only worked for the company for 12 days, but had passed a medical exam and background check before being hired, said Marty Diaz, manager of Shoreline Limousine.