Horsing around leads to jail

A Peabody man who went to two homes on Nighthawk Rd. just north of Peabody and accused residents of mistreating a horse was arrested Sunday on suspicion of several charges.

Richard T. Litton, 39, was arrested on suspicion of two counts of making a criminal threat and single counts of battery, interference with law enforcement, and criminal damage to property.

Undersheriff Larry Starkey said Litton had apparently thought the residents were mistreating a horse in some way.

Litton threatened to shoot one person and battered another, Starkey said.

The victims positively identified Litton to deputy Landis Goodman.

Litton was already back at Peabody by the time Goodman arrived at the scene.

“When deputies caught up to him in Peabody, he tried to get back in the vehicle and leave,” Starkey said. “He got combative, and they had to force to get him in the vehicle.”

Litton appeared to be under the influence of alcohol at the time of the incident, Starkey said.

He is being held in lieu of a $10,000 bond.