Suspect Arrested After Stealing Horse at Gunpoint in Spring Valley

The armed robbery suspect led deputies on an hours-long standoff before surrendering early Monday morning.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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A 29-year-old man named Gabriel De La Torre Santana was arrested on Monday morning after allegedly stealing a horse at gunpoint in Spring Valley, California on Sunday night. Deputies responded to the armed robbery call around 7:30 PM and located the suspect a short distance away, but he fled on the stolen horse. After an hours-long standoff, De La Torre Santana came out of a nearby residence and was taken into custody around 3:30 AM. The stolen horse was recovered and returned to its owner.

Why it matters

Violent crimes involving firearms and the theft of livestock are uncommon but concerning incidents that can impact community safety. This case highlights the resources and tactics law enforcement must employ to apprehend dangerous suspects and recover stolen property, even in residential areas.

The details

According to Sgt. David Leonhardi of the San Diego County Sheriff's Office, the victim reported that the suspect pointed a firearm at him and stole his horse on Bancroft Drive around 7:30 PM on Sunday. Deputies located the suspect nearby but he fled on the stolen horse. Aerial support assisted deputies in tracking the suspect as he ran into a nearby residence. The sheriff's Special Enforcement Detail and Crisis Negotiations Team were called in due to the high-risk nature of the operation. After several hours, the suspect surrendered and was arrested around 3:30 AM on Monday.

  • The incident occurred around 7:30 PM on Sunday, February 16, 2026.
  • The suspect was arrested around 3:30 AM on Monday, February 17, 2026.

The players

Gabriel De La Torre Santana

A 29-year-old man who was arrested and booked into the San Diego Central Jail for the armed robbery and horse theft.

Sgt. David Leonhardi

A spokesperson for the San Diego County Sheriff's Office who provided details about the incident and arrest.

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What they’re saying

“Deputies located the suspect a short distance away from the location. Upon contact, the suspect ran away with the stolen horse.”

— Sgt. David Leonhardi, Spokesperson, San Diego County Sheriff's Office (nbcsandiego.com)

What’s next

De La Torre Santana is scheduled for arraignment on Thursday in El Cajon Superior Court.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the risks and challenges law enforcement face when responding to armed robbery calls, particularly when suspects flee with stolen property. It also highlights the importance of coordinated efforts between ground units and aerial support to safely apprehend dangerous suspects.