Stolen Mule Found Safe, Reunited With Owner In Escondido

ESCONDIDO, CA – A stolen mule has been found safe and reunited with her owner in San Diego County, after their story received widespread news and social media coverage.

The mule, whose name is "Little Girl," was stolen just after midnight Sunday in downtown Escondido. Two male suspects reportedly untied the cream-colored animal from a tree while her owner slept nearby, Escondido police said.

The owner, Bay Area native John Sears, frequently visits the city when he travels across the state with Little Girl and two additional mules. Sears, who goes by the name Mule, documents his unique nomadic journey on social media.

The suspects had last been seen leading the mule east along the flood control bike path from Broadway, adjacent to Grape Day Park, according to Escondido police. Police searched surrounding neighborhoods by ground and air with the assistance of a San Diego Sheriff's helicopter.

After the story of the stolen mule spread on local news outlets and social media, police received information that led them to the animal. David Martinez, a 28-year-old resident of Escondido, was arrested on suspicion of grand theft, police said.

Little Girl is in good health and does not appear to have been injured, police said.

"We thank the community for the caring support and tips that led to a happy ending in this case," police said in a statement.

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Photos via Escondido Police Department