Rutland Man Charged with DUI After Crashing Into Barn, Injuring Horse

Authorities say Luke Persson crashed into a newly built shelter housing a sleeping horse at Treasure Hunt Farm.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 3:59pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a damaged car sensor or piece of farm equipment debris, reflecting a harsh, direct camera flash and creating a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic to conceptually illustrate the aftermath of a drunk driving incident on a rural farm.The aftermath of a drunk driving incident on a rural farm exposes the dangers that impaired drivers can pose to livestock and property.Rutland Today

A 35-year-old Rutland man has been charged with driving under the influence after police say he crashed his Jeep into a newly constructed shelter housing a sleeping horse at Treasure Hunt Farm, causing injury to the animal.

Why it matters

Impaired driving incidents that result in property damage or harm to animals raise concerns about public safety and the need for stricter enforcement of DUI laws, especially in rural areas where farms and livestock can be vulnerable.

The details

According to Rutland police, Luke Persson was behind the wheel of a Jeep around 12:30 a.m. on April 7th when he crashed into the newly built shelter, getting his vehicle stuck on a tree. The impact injured the horse that was sleeping inside the structure.

  • The incident occurred around 12:30 a.m. on April 7, 2026.

The players

Luke Persson

A 35-year-old resident of Rutland, Vermont who was charged with driving under the influence after crashing his Jeep into a barn and injuring a horse.

Treasure Hunt Farm

A farm located in Rutland, Vermont where the incident took place.

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What they’re saying

“We must take impaired driving incidents that endanger animals and property very seriously. This is an unacceptable situation that could have been much worse.”

— Chief Michael Saunders, Rutland Police Department

What’s next

Persson is scheduled to appear in court next week to face charges of DUI, reckless driving, and animal cruelty.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the need for greater vigilance against drunk driving, especially in rural areas where farms and livestock can be vulnerable to the dangerous consequences of impaired operation of motor vehicles.