You can now add ‘stealing a horse’ to the list of things that really, really piss off US law enforcement after a video emerged showing a thief getting a pummelling at the hands of 10 officers.

30-year-old Francis Jared Pusok, a career criminal who reportedly stole a horse, was first tasered and then kicked 13 times, punched 37 times and struck four times with batons as officers went to town on the man. This from the Telegraph:

Pusok was being served a warrant related to an identity theft investigation when he first fled on foot, then stole a horse…

He remained on the ground for 45 minutes, getting no medical attention before he was taken to the hospital…

The sheriff’s department acknowledged that “use of force occurred” after the Taser proved ineffective due to “loose clothing” that Pusok was wearing.

The deputies involved have all been placed on leave (paid, of course) whilst an investigation takes place.

It is also reported that three of the officers had to receive medical treatment after the beatdown, one due to a kick from the horse. Every cloud has a silver lining, right?

[source:telegraph]