Posted by the Charleston, SC DUI Defense Lawyers at Anderson & Schuster, Attorneys at Law, LLC.
A man who was under the influence of alcohol while riding a horse led police on a half-four chase in a northeast Florida town. Charles Cowart, 29, was arrested Monday afternoon about 60 miles south of Jacksonville. (Video Below)
A police officer was responding to a report of "an intoxicated male riding a horse" when he turned on his emergency lights to stop traffic as Cowart crossed the street. Cowart said he was on his way to his grandmother's house in nearby Flagler Beach, but refused officers' order to dismount and "in an aggressive manner reared the horse back" and took off running.
Police officers did not immediately chase after him due to concerns for the public and the horse's safety. Cowart continued to ride through town, "causing a crowd of people to come out of their homes" and a train to slow down as Cowart crossed over a set of railroad tracks. Police kept their emergency lights on, but did not use their sirens to prevent the horse from being frightened and "potentially making the situation worse."
Cowart ignored verbal commands to get off the horse, which after more than a half an hour, became exhausted. Cowart eventually jumped off and took off running. He was captured a short time later. The horse was returned and is doing fine, police said.
Cowart was booked on charges that included disorderly conduct, resisting arrest without violence and cruelty to animals. He was not charged with DUI. You may be wondering if you can be charged with driving under the influence (DUI) while riding a horse. In South Carolina, the answer is no. A horse is not considered a vehicle under the SC DUI laws.
Source, With Video: WIFI News, Drunk Man On Horse Arrested After Police Chase.
Our DUI Lawyers represent those charged with DUI in the Charleston, SC area. If you have been arrested for DUI in Charleston, North Charleston, Mount Pleasant, Goose Creek, Summerville, Hanahan, Moncks Corner, or the surrounding areas, give our DUI Defense Lawyers a call to discuss your case. Your consultation with our Charleston DUI Lawyers is confidential and free of charge.
