BRIDPORT — Vermont State Police on Friday, Oct. 3, were looking for the owner of a horse that was struck and killed by a vehicle on Route 22A in Bridport. Late that day police reported that they had identified and notified the owner of the horse.
State police were called at 4:50 a.m. on Friday to a report of a driver who had collided with a dead horse on Route 22A. Police investigation revealed that Eric Baker, 38, of Whitehall, N.Y., was traveling to work northbound on Route 22A at approximately 3:30 a.m. when a horse ran into the roadway. Baker told troopers he thought he had hit a moose with his 1994 Saab, and had called VSP as soon as he had cell service. Before being able to place his call, the horse was hit by a second vehicle, a 2011 Toyota Corolla, driven by Justin Stearns, 28, of Whiting.
Police suspect the horse did not suffer and died quickly upon impact.
Both vehicles were damaged but driven from the scene, with no injuries to the drivers, according to police.
State police identified the horse as a brown and blue roan, shoeless gelding that was wearing a turn-out halter. It is suspected that the horse might have lived near the Shoreham and Bridport town line.
State police offered thanks to the many local first responders and community members who assisted at the scene of the accident.