Horse found riddled with bullet wounds following man's dispute with police

A California man who allegedly shot a police officer earlier this week will also face animal cruelty charges after responding authorities found a horse riddled with bullet wounds at the scene, according to KERO.

Fresno County Sheriff Margaret Mims told the station that police received reports of shots being fired around 11 a.m. on Tuesday.

Deputy John Erickson was responding to a property dispute at a house when Michael James Congdon, 57, allegedly shot multiple rounds at the officer with a semiautomatic rifle, striking Erickson and breaking his leg.

Law enforcement officials said they searched the property later that afternoon and discovered an injured horse that had been shot multiple times. Cops said they believe the animal was shot prior to Erickson's arrival.

WARNING: Graphic image below:

Photo: Fresno County Sheriff's Office

The horse was taken to a veterinarian but its condition remains unknown, officials said. Police are currently working to determine who the animal belongs to.

If convicted of attempted murder and animal cruelty, Congdon faces a possible sentence of 64 years to life in jail, the sheriff's office said in a press release.

Congdon's bail was set at over $1.9 million dollars.