KANSAS CITY, Mo. – An investigation into a hit-and-run accident that killed a horse and seriously injured its rider got some help from TIPS Hotline leads. Three anonymous tips led investigators to find the alleged vehicle involved and suspected driver, Don P. Jackson. Jackson turned himself in on Tuesday and has been charged with leaving the scene of a motor vehicle accident, third-degree assault and careless and imprudent driving.
According to a probable cause statement the incident happened on September 22 and officers were dispatched to the scene at 10:45 p.m. Dawn and Craig Dudley were riding their horses ‘Major’ and ‘Goldie’ west on Blue Parkway when a vehicle struck both horses. Dawn Dudley, who was riding ‘Major’, fell to the ground and was knocked unconscious, she also suffered a fractured clavicle. ‘Major’, a Tennessee walking horse valued at $2,000, was killed as a result of the collision.
Craig Dudley and his horse, ‘Goldie’, were not seriously hurt and he attempted to get the driver to stop and get help. The driver reportedly accelerated and fled the scene, but Dudley was able recover pieces of the vehicle that were left in the roadway and they were processed as evidence.
The anonymous tips led investigators to Dick Smith Ford where a black Nissan Pathfinder with heavy front-end and windshield damage was located. Horse hair was also found embedded in parts of the Pathfinder. It was determined that the SUV was brought to the dealership by Enterprise Rent-a-Car.
Enterprise said that the SUV was rented by Jackson on September 12 and he had reported an accident to management on September 23 and said “I think I hit a horse or a deer.” Jackson was advised to turn the vehicle in and fill out an accident report. The SUV was then taken to the city tow lot where investigators were able to determine that broken pieces recovered from the scene were from that SUV.
Jackson has posted bond, it had been set at $10,000, and is currently not being detained. Online court records don’t list any future court dates at this time.
