Erie County Sheriff Horse Killed in Accident | News

WEST SENECA, NY - A horse in the Erie County Sheriff's Mounted Division died in a motor vehicle accident Thursday evening.

Officials say the accident happened just before midnight on Route 219 just past the I-90 split in West Seneca.

Erie County Sheriff Reserve Mounted Captain Joe Metzger and his horse 'Joe' had just finished working at the Italian Festival in North Buffalo and were on their way home.

Reserve Captain Metzger believes a mechanical problem occurred causing the trailer carrying 'Joe' to begin to sway and ultimately become unhitched.  The trailer flipped over several times and landed on its side.

The horse died immediately. 

'Joe' worked with the Erie County Sheriff's Mounted Unit for the past decade. He was once owned by Buffalo Bills backup quarterback Alex Van Pelt. He will be buried Friday on a farm in Marilla.

West Seneca Police are investigating the accident.