SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. – A Southern California man whose videotaped chase on a horse and subsequent beating by deputies resulted in a $650,000 settlement has been charged with multiple counts including resisting arrest and animal cruelty.
San Bernardino County prosecutors said Thursday that 30-year-old Francis Pusok also faces charges including reckless driving and being under the influence of a controlled substance.
Pusok fled by car and then on the horse in the desert on April 9 while deputies chased him on foot after trying to serve a search warrant in an identity-theft investigation.
San Bernardino County supervisors approved the settlement to avoid a lawsuit over the beating that brought national attention and led to the suspension of 10 deputies.
Pusok is currently out on $100,000 bail. His arraignment is set for June 16.
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