WILMINGTON — The police department’s 20-year officer from the mounted unit, Crescent, has died unexpectedly.
The police department rushed the horse to N.C. State veterinarian school Saturday after a morning check-in determined something seemed off with the animal; he was collicking. The condition can cause severe abdominal pain, caused by problems in the gastrointestinal tract.
The doctors determined it was worse than originally thought.
A Percheron Draft Cross horse, Crescent was 22 years old. For 17 years, he was partnered with Officer Jason Watts and during that time assisted with numerous calls for service and community events.
“Our animal officers are very important to the WPD,” Chief Donny Williams said in a press release earlier in the day. “We have five K9s and four horses. Each WPD officer and their four-legged partner does a tremendous job of serving the citizens of Wilmington.”
The horse is being cremated; his remains will return to WPD.
