MIDDLEBURG, Fla. -- The driver of an SUV that struck a loose horse on county Road 220 early Tuesday morning was not injured, but the horse had to be put down and its owner is facing charges.

Clay County authorities said the man believed to own the animal, James Ira Hill, has a pasture along the road. He has been arrested before for allowing animals to roam at large.

A motorcyclist was killed after hitting a horse on the same stretch of road in 2003. Investigators said they believe that horse also belonged to Hill.

"We'll research our entire system and find out how many calls we've had out there, what types of calls, connect them with or what he may not have, (then) take it to the State Attorney's Office," said Clay County Sheriff's Office Lt. Ron Hodges.

Deputies said the horse had a broken leg after Thursday morning's incident and Hill shot and killed it due to its injuries.

"I know a horse was fatally injured a couple years ago, and this one...," said Jane, a witness who only wanted to use her first name. "I saw the horse limping off and he was very muddy and it's just very disturbing that it happened again."

The incident was still under investigation and no new charges had been filed.