SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY, Calif. — A horse died after it was hit by a San Joaquin County Sheriff deputy's patrol car north of Escalon Tuesday evening.
According to the sheriff's office, the deputy was on patrol along Escalon-Bellota Road, south of Skiff Road, when a dark horse ran out of an orchard and into the patrol car's path.
Officials said the deputy wasn't able to avoid the horse, and the horse ended up dying from its injuries.
CHP is investigating the collision with the San Joaquin County Sheriff's Animal Control Unit. They are also trying to figure out who the owner of the horse is.
"To say that our Deputy is heartbroken over this incident is an understatement. Though we are grateful that it was one of our vehicles, and it protected our deputy, rather than a citizen’s vehicle, that could have resulted in even more serious injuries," the sheriff's office said on Facebook. "Our Sheriff was notified immediately and is grateful our deputy is safe, glad that no citizen was injured, but heartbroken over the loss of such a majestic animal."
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