Police: Spray paint used to disguise stolen car

Amarillo police charged two people and recovered a stolen car Wednesday night that was recently spray-painted to conceal its original color.

William Pritchard, 33, the driver, was arrested and charged with unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, felon in possession of a firearm, possession of a prohibited weapon, possession of a controlled substance and a parole violation. He's being held at the Potter County Jail.

A female passenger, Leah Garcia, 24, was cited for possession of drug paraphernalia.

About 9:30 p.m., officers saw a 2012 Chevrolet Malibu parked at a convenience store near Interstate 40 and South Western Street. The car appeared to have recently been spray-painted black and the license plate was not listed as being registered to any vehicle, a news release issued Wednesday said.

Officers approached Pritchard and Garcia and noticed a sawed-off shotgun in the car. After the two were taken into custody, officers also found a handgun and methamphetamine, police said.

The car, originally white in color, was reported stolen in Amarillo in February, police said. The car has now been returned to its owner.

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