Dreadhead Cowboy Faces Cruelty Felony, Horse Could Be Euthanized

CHICAGO, IL — An activist who dubbed himself the "Dreadhead Cowboy" is charged with aggravated animal cruelty, a felony, after riding his horse down the Dan Ryan in rush hour traffic on Monday. Adam Hollingsworth, 33, posted live video from the ride, saying it was a demonstration for the "Kids Lives Matter" movement.

On Tuesday, Illinois State Police said the horse, which was later taken to an animal rescue facility, had several injuries, including a bleeding left foot, an injured right foot and sores on the right side of its body from the saddle.

Prosecutors said the horse, named NuNu, is in critical condition and may have to be euthanized, according to the Chicago Sun-Times.

Hollingsworth was stopped by state troopers near 95th Street after riding south on the Dan Ryan with an escort including multiple other vehicles and motorcycles.

State police said officers asked Hollingsworth to get off the interstate several times, but he refused. He was ordered off the horse and initially arrested on charges of reckless conduct, disobeying a police officer and criminal trespass to state supported property.

The horse was taken temporarily to Chicago Animal Care and Control, where it collapsed, according to the Chicago Tribune. Chicago police said the horse appeared to be exhausted and overheated, and was shaking before it collapsed and was unable to get up without assistance. Police said its foot injuries were apparently caused by riding on the interstate without shoes. The horse was later taken to the rescue facility.

State police said a second man who tried to "forcefully gain control of the horse" was also arrested. Police said multiple officers asked Darron Luster, 55, of Chicago, to release the horse, and he refused, then resisted arrest, dropped to the ground and requested an ambulance. Luster, who is charged with obstructing and resisting arrest, refused medical attention after an ambulance was called to the scene and said he would only get in a squad car, not an ambulance, police said.

Luster was taken to the Chicago Police Department before being released on $1,000 bond.

Mayor Lori Lightfoot called the Dan Ryan ride a "stunt," saying, "What is clear is that this stunt not only seriously endangered the horse but also the rider and all travelers on the expressway."

Prior to the incident, state police said Hollingsworth met with Chicago police and state police, requesting to stage a protest on the expressway. At the Sept. 9 meeting, police said, "Hollingsworth’s request was denied and he was told he would not be allowed on the Dan Ryan Expressway because it is dangerous and illegal for pedestrians to access the expressway in that manner."

Hollingsworth's bond was set at $25,000.