Last Updated: 8:59 p.m.
They’re in a good mood today at the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office, judging from the latest press release disseminated this afternoon, which we reproduce here word for word, with a caveat: these are not our words. At least not until the third paragraph’s end quote, when even more serious journalism took over:
“Patrolling Flagler County roadways can mean more than just traffic stops and getting bad guys – it can also include a few rodeo skills as part of the job. Shortly before 7 a.m., deputies were dispatched to State Road 100 near County Roads 25 and 305 where a four-legged suspect with auburn hair and blue eyes was causing a traffic tie-up. Deputy Steve Williams located a mini-horse walking around the neighborhood in the early dawn hours. At one point, the deputy provided a short escort to County Road 205 in an effort to get her off the main highway.
“At one point, the mini-horse appeared to stop and ask the deputy for directions. Deputy Williams was able to coax the horse to the rear of his patrol car where he slyly slipped a lasso around her neck and secured her out of the traffic flow. The owner was located and shortly after 8 a.m., the horse was returned to her home barn on County Road 25.”
The mini-horse, whose name turned out to be Toby, and a male (thank you commenters), was lost at the northeast edge of the Mondex, or Daytona North, a couple of blocks from the insurance office of Elbert Tucker–the Bunnell City commissioner–who said mini-horses “are sprinkled throughout here.” The horse was not likely shopping for insurance. “We sell for horses, but not to horses,” Tucker said.
It is not clear, from the press release, whether the little horse felt compelled to call Sheriff Don Fleming’s cell phone, or required the counsel of sheriff’s office attorney Steve Alexander. The horse is, however, a registered independent, and therefore not a factor in the sheriff’s election culminating on Aug. 14.
Wendy McLane says
too cute – lucky lady mini horse was rescued…
question says
Cause of escape: equine bad hair day… you KNOW how discombobulating that is.
aawww, heart, heart, big hug cutie mini-horse!
Ditto Deputy Steve Williams
K says
She’s prettier than all of the other photos of suspects the FCSO releases!
LivesinPalmCoast says
That horse is so adorable!
Nancy N. says
No wonder they need that half cent sales tax…they need to add a barn at the jail.
So who wants to break it to our little horsey friend that the 80’s are over?
PJ says
OK, and if anyone complains about our great deputys’ in Flagler County just check out ths realy cute horse! Nice work FCSO!
Nanci Young Whitley says
Ha! I love living in a small town!
Tami Salyerds says
His name is Toby and when questioned upon his return he pleaded the 5th.
Emily Salyerds says
Yep thats my little boy, he goes on an adventure and gets put all over the news amd becomes famous! Lol
-Just for people who dont know the horse name is Toby and is a BOY!
Safety guy says
One question. Was the horse frisked for contraband? Was a breathalyzer given? How in the world does one do a breathalyzer on a horse? Great news, good deputy, great report.
mellissa says
I’m curious if Toby is for sale?
agnese says
With all the recent tragedies, I’m glad FCSO got a chuckle from the latest call. Keep up the good work FCSO.
Anonymous says
No, toby is not for sale, we have had him a long time and its very hard to give him up.
meh says
oh FCSB you so crazy… giggle.. snicker
glad to see crime fighting isn’t occupying all your time. i feel safer already knowing a mini horse won’t heel kick my door in and steal my tech goodies.
michelle says
deputy willams is a life saver i work with hi in the mounted unit i love his horses
confidential says
My whole appreciation to FCSO Williams for saving this little cutie boy! Our Western Flagler County ranchers maybe should open their locations to local city transplants for a minimal fee, so we can admire and enjoy these beauties and also buy their farm veggies etc.