Robert R. Webster Jr. was seen driving a gray Dodge Avenger on Kirkland Avenue, crossing into the opposite lane and disrupting traffic when he pulled to the side of the road. Once the man was across the road from the farm he took out a long gun and shot once at the horse in a pasture, hitting him in the neck.
Plice said Webster then fled the scene.
The farm and the horse are owned by the Pavlot family, who reached out to the public for help.
Investigators said they received numerous tips from the public and were eventually able to identify Webster as the gunman. Webster was taken into custody on Tuesday.
Webster is charged with one count each of aggravated cruelty to an animal, a class E felony, second-degree mischief, a class D felony, and reckless endangerment, a misdemeanor, authorities said.
He was arraigned in Town Court and was set to county jail in lieu of $25,000 cash bail or $50,000 bond.
He is scheduled to reappear in court on Thursday.
(Rome Sentinel - Feb 3, 2016)
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