For the second time in just over a week, a Philadelphia Eagles fan was arrested on Sunday for punching a police horse outside Lincoln Financial Field.
While police reported no arrests from the celebrations that took place in the streets after the Eagles defeated the Minnesota Vikings, there were a few people taken into custody before kickoff. One of them was Andrew Tornetta, who was charged with aggravated assault, simple assault, recklessly endangering another person, and related charges. According to a police report obtained by Darryl Slater of NJ.com, Tornetta is accused of punching a police horse.
“The corporal gave verbal commands for the persons to leave the area,” the report read. “However, one person refused. While mounted atop the horse, the corporal began to escort him away from the crowd, again telling him to leave. The offender became verbally combative and maneuvered himself out of his jacket, and was grabbed by his sweatshirt to maintain control, due to him being under arrest.
“The offender then struck the officer’s horse two times with his fist, on [the horse’s] right front shoulder. The offender then struck the corporal on the right side of his face, below his eye, causing redness and swelling. The offender then shed his garments and began walking away, back into the crowd, in an attempt to flee. Fellow mounted and Philadelphia police officers assisted in taking the offender into custody.”
Believe it or not, a man was arrested last week after he also allegedly punched a horse when he was ejected from the Eagles’ playoff game against the Atlanta Falcons.
Eagles fans were praised by the Philadelphia Police Department for celebrating responsibly on Sunday, though there were a few acts after the game that probably should have resulted in arrests. Fans in Philly are known for being a bit rowdy, but I think we can all agree that the horse punching has to stop.
