VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. – Days after the Volusia Sheriff’s Office announced that four local horses were stolen, deputies now say that they’ve caught the suspect.
In a release over the weekend, deputies originally said they were investigating the theft from a property in Osteen, offering a reward of $10,000 for information about whoever was responsible.
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From @SheriffChitwood: VSO detectives are investigating the theft of 4 horses from a property in Osteen, and we’re putting up a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of those responsible.
— Volusia Sheriff (@VolusiaSheriff) December 13, 2025
The horses are Slater (8 years old), R Chism (13), Snoop (19), and Gratian… pic.twitter.com/gLN2b6RMUl
But on Wednesday evening, deputies announced that two of the stolen horses were recovered in South Florida.
The suspect — identified as Lazaro Benitez Guzman, 26 — was arrested in Hialeah and faces charges of grand theft and dealing in stolen property, the sheriff’s office declared.
“Thanks to diligent police work, great use of technology and a lot of help from our partner agencies, we’re reuniting these horses with their owners, and we have a suspect in custody,” deputies wrote.
GOOD NEWS: 2 of the 4 horses stolen from Osteen last week have been recovered in South Florida.
— Volusia Sheriff (@VolusiaSheriff) December 17, 2025
Thanks to diligent police work, great use of technology and a lot of help from our partner agencies, we're reuniting these horses with their owners, and we have a suspect in custody.… pic.twitter.com/wIODBLXju2
The sheriff’s office also revealed that Guzman is an undocumented immigrant from Cuba, leading to an ICE detainer being placed on him.
Meanwhile, investigators said they are still searching for the whereabouts of the remaining two horses.
No additional information has been provided at this time.