Woman Charged with DUI After Killing Horse on Lake Washington Rd

A Brevard County woman faces DUI-related charges after authorities say she struck and killed a horse with her vehicle on Lake Washington Road in Melbourne and then drove home without reporting the incident.

The Brevard County Sheriff's Office identified the driver as Anne Cross. She faces charges of driving under the influence, refusal to submit to testing, and DUI with property damage.

Deputies and the Florida Highway Patrol responded to the scene, where they found the horse deceased. While the Florida Highway Patrol investigated the crash, Brevard County deputies initiated a DUI investigation.

Investigators located Cross and her damaged vehicle at her residence. Deputies reported Cross appeared to have facial injuries and showed signs of impairment, including glassy eyes and slurred speech. She told deputies she was driving home from shopping when 'something' landed on her hood, which she believed might have been a deer.

The vehicle sustained significant front-end damage, including a crushed hood and a heavily damaged windshield. Cross refused to perform field sobriety exercises and declined to provide a breath sample.

Sheriff Wayne Ivey commented on the case, stating, "There’s no excuse for drinking and driving. Your life isn’t the only one you’re putting at risk." The Florida Highway Patrol continues to investigate the crash.