A community call for help.

Hello everyone, my name is Destiny Gutierrez. I am a single mother of 2 beautiful boys in need of a community blessing.

About a month ago, my car broke down and was in need of a fuel pump replacement. I currently reside in Patterson, CA, and those who know it understand it's a very small town. So, with that being said, I was looking around for a local mechanic, also something that wouldn't "break the bank." As I was looking around, I was told to check out the Patterson neighborhood marketplace via Facebook. I did check it out and was referred to a "mechanic" by the name Efrain Orozco.

He was working on my vehicle for 3 days in front of my home until he said he didn't have the proper equipment/tools. He mentioned he had a trailer and could tow it to his "shop" that he wasa starting up but had a somewhat high profile, which was just minutes from my home. I gave him the benefit of the doubt and allowed him to do so, but as time passed, it was just excuse after excuse on why the vehicle wasn't ready. I finally decided to reach out and demand my car back, running or not, but I received no response or answer. After I sent my last message stating if I didn't hear from him, I was going to press the issue, coincidentally, the morning after, CHP was looking for me because my vehicle was found vandalized and abandoned on the side of the road in Patterson. Efrain is still nowhere to be found.

I was told since I know where the car is and since I initially gave consent for him to take the vehicle, I cannot report it as theft, and it would have to be a civil case, meaning I would have to take Efrain to court so he can repay me for damages, even though he is not to be found or contacted. This has taken a huge toll on me being a single mother; it was my only form of transportation. I am a full-time student going to school to become an emergency room technician and work on call as a patient care assistant but had to cut back drastically on hours because I started going to school.

I would be more than grateful for anything you can help with, even just a prayer of a miracle so I can get any type of vehicle in the meantime. I know times are hard, but if you could help bring some type of light to this burden, if given the opportunity to repay your kind gestures I would be ever so mindful. God bless you all ❤️