The Press Democrat reports that a man on pre-trial release struck a man on horseback near Santa Rosa and then fled the scene.
Santa Rosa authorities told reporters that the crash happened early on Sunday, December 12, 2021, in the 3700 block of Old Redwood Highway.
The victim, a man with a group of other riders mounted on horseback and nearly 100 participants on foot, was in the area taking part in a march for the Virgin of Guadalupe heading from West Santa Rosa toward Windsor when the incident occurred.
Police say that 20-year-old Troy Hale of Santa Rosa struck the victim and his horse, leaving him with significant injuries. Paramedics rushed the male victim to an area hospital for treatment of his injuries. Officials say that the victim remains in critical condition.
The horse survived the crash and was transported away from the scene by friends of the injured man.
Hale fled the incident scene, but law enforcement officers located his vehicle at a residence in Santa Rosa.
Police were able to secure a warrant to search Hale’s vehicles and residence. Officers found fentanyl, cocaine, and ammunition. Investigators believe that Hale intended to sell the drugs. Court documents show that one of Hale’s pre-trial conditions was that he could not possess firearms or ammunition.
Hale was arrested and booked into the Sonoma County Jail on charges of DUI causing great bodily injury, hit-and-run, violation of pre-trial release, possession of narcotics, and intention to distribute.
The Santa Rosa Police Department asks anyone with any further information to contact them through their online tip line at www.srcity.org/CrimeTips.
