A North Carolina man who was named ‘Horseman of the Year’ and recognized for his services to equestrians was arrested after he allegedly shot dead his son’s horse during an argument.
John Victor ‘Vick’ Russell, 75, and his son, whose name was not disclosed, had a dispute at a property located at Vick Russell Lane in the Green Creek Community on Wednesday when the elder Russell opened fire shooting dead the son’s horse, according to the Polk County Sherriff’s Department, WYFF4 News reported.
When deputies arrived several people on the property told them that a fight had broken out between the father and son when the father fired his gun and killing the horse his son had been riding.
Russell was taken into custody at his Ly-Nard Hills Farm in Columbus, North Carolina. He has been charged with assault on a person with a deadly weapon with intent to kill and felony animal cruelty cause the death of an animal.
Officials said Russell was taken before a magistrate and given a $90,000.00 secured bond. His next court date is July 19 in Polk County District Court.’
John Victor ‘Vick’ Russell, 75, and his son, whose name was not disclosed, had a dispute when the elder Russell opened fire shooting dead the son’s horse last Wednesday, according to the Polk County Sherriff’s Department
Pictured: John Victor ‘Vick’ Russell with an unidentified person. The Russell family has had a long history in the equestrian community in Tryon, North Carolina. Last month, Russell was recognized for his service to equestrians
It remains unclear what the father and son had been arguing about, but it appears that Russell’s son was not injured during the violent brawl.
The Russell family has had a long history in the equestrian community in Tryon.
Last month, the horse trainer was recognized for his work with horses at the Carolinas Show Hunter Hall of Fame induction ceremony in Tyron, North Carolina.
In September 2021, he appeared in a feature story published by the Tryon International Equestrian Center that described him as a ‘local legend.’
‘We’re shining the spotlight on our ‘Local Legends’ who have played significant roles in the development of equestrian sport in the area and at the Tryon International Equestrian Center,’ the publication wrote.
‘From the barns and show rings to small towns and main streets, the Russell family has built quite the beloved name for themselves in our community,’ the article said.