SOUTHWEST RANCHES, Fla. — A suspected thief’s attempt to steal a prized horse from a barn in Southwest Ranches ended in arrest after the animal broke free and the homeowner confronted him, authorities said.
Surveillance video shows the man entering the barn just before 9:30 a.m. Tuesday and trying to saddle a white Paso Fino horse. The horse resisted, and although the suspect placed the saddle on the animal, she managed to run free.
Homeowner Frank Espinosa said the situation was alarming because of how closely neighbors care for their horses.
“Definitely something alarming because we are always taking care of our neighbors who have horses,” Espinosa said. “These are our children so we take care of them.”
Espinosa said he realized something was wrong when he returned from an appointment and saw one of his horses, Dulcera, roaming in the ring at an unusual time of day.
As he and his wife approached the barn, which holds three horses valued at nearly $60,000, they noticed equipment scattered across the property and feared the animals had been hurt or taken.
“If he hurts one of the animals, then those expenses start adding up,” Espinosa said.
Video shows the couple confronting the suspect as he walked out of an equipment room. Espinosa said the man appeared dazed, began walking toward the back of the barn and then ran.
Espinosa followed the suspect by car and called police.
Shortly after, officers with the Davie Police Department arrested 19-year-old Marlon Arturo Chay near Griffin Road and Southwest 184th Avenue. Investigators said Chay is also accused of breaking into another home in the area.
Chay remains jailed on charges including burglary and resisting arrest. Espinosa said the suspect appeared confused during their encounter.
“Stay off the drugs, because he really looked spaced out when I was talking to him,” Espinosa added.
Authorities said Chay immigrated to the United States from Guatemala four years ago and is being held without bond on an immigration hold as of Wednesday evening.
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