Wilmington, NC, Police Chief Donnie Williams with police horse Elton. The horse is recovering from being hit by a vehicle Friday. (Photo: Wilmington PD/Facebook)
A 19-year-old Wilmington, NC, police horse named Elton is recovering after he was hit by an alleged drunk driver while on patrol -- the second such incident in the 16-year veteran’s career on the force.
“We were just patrolling downtown Wilmington as we usually do on a Friday night,” said Wilmington Police Department Mounted Unit Aaron Mininger, who has been riding Elton for the past five years, in a video statement posted to social media, ABC News reports.
“A vehicle rear-ended me while I was riding my horse and it took us both by surprise,” said Mininger. “Luckily, I was uninjured and Elton the horse, he has very mild injuries all things considered being struck by a drunk driver in a vehicle. As of now, we are just checking in on him and giving him some therapy and some medicine and, so far, it is a good prognosis and there are not any major injuries.”
Wilmington Police Chief Donny Williams said that Elton was also struck several years ago.
Elton is currently taking medicine for his leg injuries and is undergoing hydrotherapy to help soothe any remaining pain he may have.
