Authorities discovered the fence surrounding the property had been cut and located shoe impressions and horse tracks left behind, indicating the horse had been stolen from that area.

The Rural Crimes Task Force (RCTF) responded to the scene where they took over the investigation. A public information request asking for information on the whereabouts of Trigger was completed and published on several Sheriff’s Office social media outlets.

Shortly later, the RCTF received a phone call indicating Trigger was possibly at an address in Laton, just beyond the Kings County line.

The RCTF found Trigger on the property, and the victim positively identified the horse. Detectives located a subject standing next to Trigger named Miguel Arellano as the investigation unfolded. The suspect, Arellano, admitted to stealing Trigger and claimed the horse had belonged to him two years prior.

Arellano also told deputies that the horse had been stolen from him, and he was simply getting his horse back.

Detectives arrested Arellano, and during a search, they found Methamphetamines in his wallet. Deputies booked the suspect into the Kings County Jail on charges of grand theft, vandalism, and possession of a controlled substance. His bail was set at $20,000.