Two Ventura men arrested for stealing pickup truck, painting it new color

VENTURA, Calif. - Two Ventura men were arrested on Friday for reportedly stealing a pickup truck and painting it a new color in an attempt to conceal it.

Police said they responded to the area of Shenandoah Street and Chalmette Avenue around 7:50 a.m. after receiving a report that a Chevy S-10 pickup truck had just been stolen.

Officers said the truck was spotted around 3:06 p.m. the same day on the 1200 block of North Ventura Avenue.

Patrol officers responded to the area and pulled over the truck as it entered the parking lot of a business.

Police said they contacted two men in the truck, a 24-year-old and a 23-year-old, and arrested them without incident.

During the investigation, officers determined that the men had painted the truck in an effort to conceal its original color.

The men are facing charges for the unlawful taking of a vehicle, grand theft auto, felony vandalism and conspiracy.

Police said the truck was returned to its owner.