HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Around 8 p.m. Thursday, Reno County sheriff’s deputy John Hendricks was on routine patrol on east 4th in rural Reno County.

As he approached Augustine Drive, he encountered three adult horses walking on the roadway in front of him. This area is approximately 1 ¾ miles east of the city of Hutchinson and is not well lit.

The deputy was unable to stop before colliding with the horses and struck all three of them. He was transported to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center for his injuries and suffered minor cuts to his face and arms. He was quickly released.

A veterinarian was called to the scene by the owner of the animals. Two of the horses had mutable injuries, one was considered critical by the veterinarian. It’s unknown what injuries the third horse sustained. The Explorer the deputy was driving was heavily damaged in the wreck.