Manhunt and Horsehunt on Sand Mountain

Sand Mountain, AL (WDEF) – DeKalb County Sheriff Jimmy Harris reports a manhunt on Sand Mountain that began with suspected horse thieving.

A 911 call reported a man and woman leading horses, but they didn’t own them.

A deputy found them on Highway 117 outside Henagar.

He identified the man as 36 year old Joseph Santiago of Rainsville.

The officer tried to arrest him on outstanding warrants, but he hopped on the horse and plunged over the side of the mountain.

The deputy says neither the rider nor the horse were hurt by the plunge, but both he and the woman got away.

Deputies conducted a manhunt in the area all morning, but could not locate them.

If you have any information on Santiago or the unidentified woman, please call the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office at 256-845-3801.