KLTV 7 News Tyler, Longview, Jacksonville |Sheriff: Man hospitalized after killing 4 horses

Sheriff: Man hospitalized after killing 4 horses

By Jeff Awtrey - email

NACOGDOCHES COUNTY, TX (KTRE) – A man is in custody after law enforcement officials say he killed four horses and attempted to invade a home before the homeowner shot him.

Nacogdoches County Sheriff Thomas Kerss said the suspect went on a shooting spree on County Road 232 in Nacogdoches County. The suspect shot and killed four horses on two properties in the area, before he tried to break into a home.

Steven Spradley is in custody at a Nacogdoches hospital, listed in stable condition. He is charged with four counts of cruelty to animals, one count of burglary with intent to commit assault and one count of deadly conduct.

Kerss said the Spradley, after shooting the horses, knocked on the door of one neighbor and threatened to kill him. The neighbor instead shot Spradley in the lower torso.

The co-owner of the four horses, Brenda Harris, said her husband saw Spradley shoot one of their horses so he called 911.

"I'm in shock," Harris said. "This is a quiet neighborhood. We never have anything going on out here. We never thought something like this would happen."

Kerss said Spradley's deadly conduct charge came after it was discovered one bullet from his gun went through a window of a third residence. He said this was not the first time his office had dealt with him, as he had a record of an arson charge, which was reduced to criminal mischief.

Harris said her horses ranged in value from $2,000 to $6,000.

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