Updated: Furry mascot’s four-wheeler found

Update:

According to a release on the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department website: The 2007 Kawasaki 750 was seen by a sergeant in the area of Akley and Zeller streets. After attempting to stop the black spray-painted quad, the driver sped off, disappearing into a rugged hilly area inaccessible by police vehicles.

An area check did not immediately yield the quad.

At 7:50 p.m., a Riverside County Sheriff’s Department helicopter was requested to fly over the rugged area to locate the all-terrain vehicle. The aircrew found it one mile west of Ackley Street’s dead end.

The Lake Elsinore Police Department is continuing to investigate the theft. Anyone with information should call 951-245-3300, or 951-776-1099 if after hours and/or on weekends.

Original story:

Authorities have located Thunder the Dog’s neon green quad that was stolen last week from the Lake Elsinore Storm’s Diamond Stadium.

Thunder the Dog mascot on his green quad (Courtesy photo)

Patrick Gardenier, director of mascot operations, said Saturday that police called him at about 9:45 p.m. Authorities spotted the all-terrain vehicle as it was being driven in Lakeland Village.

Gardenier said a sergeant gave pursuit until the driver disappeared into some foothills. The quad was later found dusty and abandoned.

Gardenier said police mentioned that a helicopter was involved in following and locating the quad.

He added that police had been aware that it might be in the Lakeland area after there had been sightings of it for the past couple of days.

Authorities told Gardenier that there had been black spray paint used on the quad. As for how much, Gardenier was unsure.

Gardenier said he isn’t too concerned about the paint, which can be easily taken care of.

“It’s going to need a new ignition, of course, because that got ripped out when they stole it,” he said.

Gardenier said he plans to pick up the quad at the station on Sunday.

He was unsure if anyone had tipped police off to its whereabouts and is deserving of the Storm’s reward.

“I wasn’t expecting this. It’s definitely cool (to get it back),” Gardenier said.

As for Thunder, he’s happy, too.

“Oh, he’s elated,” he said. “He’s happy that he’s going to have a ride for opening day and the Padres game.”

Email Rachael.recker@swrnn.com or follow her on Twitter