Pair found asleep in stolen vehicle

Costa Mesa police arrested two people Tuesday morning after finding them asleep in a stolen vehicle, authorities said.

Officers responded to a report of a suspicious person asleep in a silver Saturn parked along Paularino Avenue east of Madison Avenue just after 8 a.m., according to a news release.

A 17-year-old from Costa Mesa was asleep in the driver’s seat when officers arrived. Police are not identifying him because he is a minor.

Luis Morales-Mireles, 23, also of Costa Mesa, was asleep in the passenger seat. Morales-Mireles was arrested on suspicion of possessing methamphetamine. His bail was set at $20,000, the release stated.

The Saturn’s rear license plate had been removed and replaced with a paper plate. Officers confirmed that a Costa Mesa resident reported the car stolen Saturday.

The 17-year-old driver, who is on probation for a gang-related offense, was arrested and booked at Orange County Juvenile Hall, according to the release.

The vehicle was returned to its owner.

—Hannah Fry

@HannahFryTCN