Rider Likely Facing Charges in Horse v. Car Wreck

The horseback rider struck by a vehicle and airlifted to the hospital Monday night will likely faces charges, according to S.C. Highway Patrol.

Alfredo Rocha, 47, of Summerville was riding his horse northwest on Colkitt Street when Cathy McHatton, 49, of Summerville, traveling the same direction in a vehicle, rear-ended Rocha, according to Senior Trooper Bridget Wyant of S.C. Highway Patrol.

The charges are pending Rocha's recovery, Wyant said. As of Wednesday morning, Rocha remained at MUSC. The nature of the charges will not be disclosed until Rocha is officially charged, Wyant said.

According to highway patrol, Rocha was wearing dark clothing and the horse was also dark in color. Wyant said neither wore reflectors. According to an account by the S.C. Highway Patrol, Rocha fell back onto the car and sustained life threatening injuries during the wreck.

There is an unconfirmed report that the horse is in good condition, but this account could not be verified. SCHP had no information on the state of the horse.

According to a campaign by the highway patrol on pedestrian visibility, dark-colored objects can be seen at 33 feet in dark conditions, and light-colored objects can be seen at 180 feet. 

A two lane, residential road, Colkitt Street offers no street lights. A visible speed limit sign is not available, but if McHatton was traveling at 35 mph, it would have taken more than 50 feet to stop after applying the brakes, according to CSGnetwork.com.

Reflectors can be seen 500 feet away from an oncoming vehicle, according to the highway patrol's campaign.