ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Saturday, November 2, 1996 TAG: 9611040052
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-3 EDITION: METRO
DATELINE: CHARLOTTESVILLE
Avery Fernando Gray Jr. was so angry over the arrest of a teen-age drug suspect that he allegedly slugged the nearest law-enforcement figure - Otis the police horse.
Gray, 21, was charged with assaulting a police animal and obstructing justice. The teen-ager was charged with possession of cocaine with intent to distribute. His name was not released because of his age.
Police said a mounted patrol officer spotted the 16-year-old and another person approaching cars and suspected they were selling drugs. The officer and Otis went after the pair, who fled. The boy was captured after a brief chase.
While the teen-ager was being arrested Tuesday night, Gray arrived and began yelling and swearing at officers, Sgt. Gary Pleasants said. Then he ``balled his fist up and hit [Otis] in the side of the head.''
Police said Thursday they didn't know if Gray knew the teen-ager.
- Associated Press
LENGTH: Short : 28 linesby CNB