Man arrested in hit-and-run that injured horse

A driver who fled after slamming into the back of horse trailer earlier this month near Concord, leaving a driver and a horse with severe injuries, has been arrested, California Highway Patrol officials said this morning.

The driver, identified as 32-year-old Casey Norato was arrested and booked into the Martinez Detention Facility after CHP officers received tips from the public, according to CHP officials.

The crash, which occurred on Oct. 4, left the driver of the truck that was pulling the trailer injured, forcing them to undergo multiple surgeries at the University of California at Davis Medical Center. They’re currently recovering, CHP officials said.

The horse, named Chance, was initially not expected to survive its injuries. Chance was able to survive, however will no longer be able to help herd cattle and can never be ridden again, according to the CHP.

On Oct. 4 around 7:30 a.m., a gray Toyota Tundra slammed into the trailer on Kirker Pass Road near Hess Road, just outside of Concord, CHP officials said.

Before a CHP officer arrived, someone driving a white sedan allegedly picked up the Toyota’s driver, later identified as Norato, and the two left the area. Officers are continuing to seek the driver of the white sedan, according to CHP officials.