CRIME, POLICE + COURTS

West Valley family reunited with stolen horse

Jul 21, 2020, 11:12 AM | Updated: 3:56 pm

WEST VALLEY CITY, Utah – Just over a week ago a West Valley family woke up to find their horse missing even though their pasture was still locked and fenced. 

But on Monday in much happier news, Jayme Alexander, the owner of the missing horse, told KSL-TV  that she received a call just after 1:30 Monday morning. The police called to say they had found 11-year-old Tiempo.

“[They] said, ‘We’ve got your horse!’” Alexander said. “’Come pick him up!’”

The disappearance

On July 12, the Alexanders woke up to find Tiempo missing and after walking their property around  2800 South and 1400 West, they found a hole had been cut in their fence.

“[I] couldn’t find him and after a couple of trips around. [I] found where the fence had been cut,” Alexander said. “They had to undo the wire panels and then come cut the fence 15 times.”

A clue that led to recovering Tiempo

Alexander credits a Facebook post for helping to find Tiempo. After more than 2,000 shares, a tip was messaged to her: It was a photo of a horse that looked like Tiempo being ridden near 3500 South and 5600 West in West Valley City.

Alexander set out to see if she could find the horse but didn’t have any luck.

Hours later police called to say that they had Tiempo. The people in the photos contacted police saying that they had bought him online. 

“They said that he was on KSL.com for $750. They paid for him. The person delivered him from Plain City,” Alexander said. 

Alexander questions that explanation, though, citing the purchase price is well below the estimated value of Tiempo, which is between $8,000 to $10,000, according to Alexander. 

The police response

Roxeanne Vainuku, West Valley City Police Department spokesperson, said detectives are looking further into the disappearance and circumstances of the horse’s disappearance. 

A happy ending for Tiempo and his owners

“We were worried that he had maybe been shipped out of state. He’d been shipped down to Mexico. He’d been slaughtered and eaten,” Alexander said.

“Oh, we’re so happy to have him back!” Alexander said. “He’s happy to be back!”

He is a part of the family, and they are relieved to have Tiempo back where he belongs. 

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Today’s Top Stories

Crime, Police + Courts

A video recorded by Facebook user Larry Jacquez shows the police response following the shooting in...

Jamiel Lynch, CNN     

At least 3 people killed and 2 officers wounded in a shooting in Farmington, New Mexico, police say

Multiple people were shot and at least three killed in a shooting in Farmington, New Mexico, police said in a Facebook post.

11 months ago

slcpd on the scene of the deaths...

Josh Ellis

Police: Teen killed by father in murder-suicide in SLC office building

Police responded to the office complex near 3000 S. Highland Drive on Saturday after emergency responders received a call from a community member who reported finding a body.

11 months ago

a police car is pictured...

Mark Jones

SLCPD investigating suspious death, seeks public’s assistance

SALT LAKE CITY — Salt Lake City police say a body found Sunday morning in downtown is considered to be a suspicious death. Police were called to the area of 536 S. 200 West just after 11 a.m. Once on scene, officers confirmed the individual, who was found in a field, to be deceased. Information […]

11 months ago

The new Utah State Correctional Facility is pictured in Salt Lake City on Thursday, June 30, 2022. ...

Mark Jones

State Correctional Facility placed on temporary lockdown

The Utah State Correctional Facility was placed on temporary lockdown Saturday following a fight with several inmates.

11 months ago

The Salt Lake City Police Department is investigating the deaths of two people. Their bodies were f...

Mark Jones

SLCPD investigating after two bodies found inside an office complex

Salt Lake City police are investigating the discovery of two bodies found Saturday inside an office complex near 3000 S. Highland Drive.

11 months ago

Unified police...

Mark Jones

Woman dies in hiking accident in Big Cottonwood Canyon

Unified Police say a 34-year-old woman died Friday following a hiking accident in Big Cottonwood Canyon.

11 months ago

Sponsored Articles

close up of rose marvel saliva blooms in purple...

Shannon Cavalero

Drought Tolerant Perennials for Utah

The best drought tolerant plants for Utah can handle high elevations, alkaline soils, excessive exposure to wind, and use of secondary water.

Group of cheerful team members high fiving each other...

Visit Bear Lake

How To Plan a Business Retreat in Bear Lake This Spring

Are you wondering how to plan a business retreat this spring? Read our sample itinerary to plan a team getaway to Bear Lake.

Cheerful young woman writing an assignment while sitting at desk between two classmates during clas...

BYU EMBA at the Marriott School of Business

Hear it Firsthand: 6 Students Share Their Executive MBA Experience at BYU’s Marriott School of Business

The Executive MBA program at BYU offers great opportunities. Hear experiences straight from students enrolled in the program.

Skier being towed by a rider on a horse. Skijoring....

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Looking for a New Winter Activity? Try Skijoring in Bear Lake

Skijoring is when someone on skis is pulled by a horse, dog, animal, or motor vehicle. The driver leads the skiers through an obstacle course over jumps, hoops, and gates.

Banner with Cervical Cancer Awareness Realistic Ribbon...

Intermountain Health

Five Common Causes of Cervical Cancer – and What You Can Do to Lower Your Risk

January is National Cervical Cancer Awareness month and cancer experts at Intermountain Health are working to educate women about cervical cancer.

Kid holding a cisco fish at winterfest...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Get Ready for Fun at the 2023 Bear Lake Monster Winterfest

The Bear Lake Monster Winterfest is an annual weekend event jam-packed full of fun activities the whole family can enjoy.

West Valley family reunited with stolen horse