YCSO: Prescott woman drove stolen car under the influence

PRESCOTT, AZ - Authorities say two suspects were arrested in Prescott after admitting to stealing a car from California and driving under the influence of drugs.

Deputies stopped 29-year-old Teresa Gregory of Prescott on May 29 on Highway 69 near Frontier Village for speeding, but quickly found out she was driving without a license, Yavapai County Sheriff Steve Waugh said.

Gregory initially told deputies the car was hers then changed her story and stated it belonged to a friend.

During questioning, a passenger in the car, 34-year-old Jason Benstead from California, was asked to step outside. When doing so, deputies saw what they’re calling a glass pipe, commonly used to smoke drugs, on the seat.

Deputies also found about three grams of meth underneath the passenger seat.

Sheriff Waugh told ABC15.com that during questioning Gregory admitted to stealing the car in California. Deputies were able to confirm the car had been reported stolen out of Riverside, Calif. back in April.

Gregory even went as far as to steal a California license plate from a different car and attach it to the one she was driving, Waugh said.

Gregory told deputies she’d been driving under the influence of drugs after smoking the meth and was arrested for theft of a vehicle, display of fictitious plates, possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia, suspended license and DUI drugs.

Benstead was arrested for theft of a vehicle and possession of methamphetamine.

Both remain in custody.