A horse died early Saturday after being struck by a vehicle while running loose on Detroit's west side, near the intersection of Evergreen Road and Lyndon Street. Police responded to the scene around 1 a.m., just blocks from Stoepel No. 1 Park, though they have not disclosed how the horse came to be involved in the crash.
According to CBS News Detroit, officers responded to the accident in the area of Evergreen Road and Lyndon Street at 1 a.m., and other details regarding the crash were not immediately known. Separately, as reported by WXYZ, Detroit police said the horse suffered fatal injuries after being struck by a vehicle, and that the investigation remains ongoing. Injuries to anyone inside the striking vehicle are unclear.
A Witness Describes a Terrifying Chase
Ronald Bradley told the station he was driving home just past midnight Saturday when he spotted the horse galloping at full speed on Evergreen Road. He said he followed the animal for roughly three minutes, trying to slow it down and steer it off the main street, estimating it was moving at least 35 miles per hour. Bradley said the collision sounded like two cars crashing, and described the horse flying over the car and landing on its neck.
Detroit's Horse Community Calls for Accountability
Charles Boone, treasurer of the Michigan Black Horsemen Association, called the incident tragic and said the animal's death has caused hurt among members of Detroit's horse community. He argued that whoever allowed the horse to get loose should be held accountable. The station also reported that the Michigan Black Horsemen Association was hosting an event just blocks from where the horse was seen running.
Boone said horses have long been a critical part of Detroit, and that the city has been gracious in opening its doors to them. Detroit's horse community is now calling for accountability as the investigation into how the animal got loose continues.
Detroit police have not released additional details about the crash, including a report number or the outcome of the ongoing investigation. It also remains unknown whether the horse was running loose on its own or who, if anyone, may be responsible for it getting onto the roadway.
