Woman Steals a Car and Forges a Bill of Sale in Missoula

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On November 1, 2022, a Missoula Police Department officer was dispatched to a report of a stolen vehicle in the 1800 block of West Sussex Avenue. The complainant reported that she had last seen her red 1985 Pontiac Firebird at around 11:30 a.m. when it was parked in front of her home. When she left her home around 3:00 p.m., her car was gone. The complainant stated neither her nor her husband gave anyone permission to drive the vehicle. 

On November 2, 2022, at approximately 1:26 a.m., another officer was patrolling the area of Broadway and California Street. During this time, the officer saw the suspected stolen vehicle park in a nearby parking lot. The officer approached the vehicle and noticed a female, who was later identified as Christine Johnson-Horner, pretending to be asleep in the driver’s seat. Police Public Information Officer Lydia Arnold has more. 

“The officer approached the vehicle and confirmed that it was the registered stolen vehicle,” Arnold said. “Officers made contact with individuals around the vehicle and one individual provided a statement to officers about how he became in contact with Johnson and the vehicle. Officers spoke with Johnson. Under Miranda, Johnson provided a statement.” 

During the investigation, an officer observed a piece of burnt foil on the seat and Johnson denied it was hers. Court documents indicate Johnson said she used drugs earlier that day, but she typically injects her drugs with syringes. A short time later, the owner of the vehicle arrived and stated she did not know Johnson. 

“Officers also noticed a note that appeared to be a bill of sale between the registered owner and Johnson,” Arnold said. “During further investigation, officers became aware that Johnson had written the bill of sale and forged signatures as witnesses of the bill of sale. Detectives took over the investigation and this case is still under investigation with the Missoula Police Department.” 

Johnson is currently being charged with felony theft, felony forgery, and criminal possession of drug paraphernalia. 

The information in this article was obtained from sources that are publicly viewable.