Burglar rides someone else’s horse to break into a home, cops say

Authorities in Florida say a man on horseback rode up to a New Port Richey residence last week as part of a burglary scheme.

According to the Tampa Bay Times, 52-year-old Lonnie Maddox — known by his nickname, ‘The Rooster’ — rode Angel, his equine partner in crime, to the home on Thursday and encountered a securely locked front door.

Eventually, police say the horse ran off and Maddox turned his attention to a window in the rear of the home, which he shattered to gain entry and in the process caused about $100 in property damage.

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The suspect reportedly approached deputies who responded to the scene if they had seen a loose horse. Angel reportedly did not belong to Maddox and has since been returned to the rightful owner.

Steve Ferguson, who owns the home, said he caught the incident on surveillance camera footage and found the entire situation strange.

“Who takes a getaway horse to a robbery?” he asked, noting that the property has been hit by burglars in the past and he chose to add a perimeter fence as an additional layer of security.

Records indicate Maddox is expected to face a criminal charge of burglary of a dwelling.

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