Police: Teen Driver Ran Down Goslings

WATERFORD (WWJ) - A White Lake teenager is facing animal cruelty charges after allegedly running down several Canada Goose babies that were attempting to cross the road.

Waterford police said they were first made aware of the incident Sunday night, after a witness came into the department.

The 60-year-old man told police he was traveling southbound on Hospital Road with his family when he observed six adults and five goslings crossing the roadway. The man said he stopped to let the geese cross the roadway and noticed a full-size red pickup traveling toward the geese, so he flashed his lights in an attempt to signal the other vehicle to stop.

Instead of stopping, the man said the red truck accelerated toward the geese and ran over the goslings, two of which are believed to have died.

While officers were speaking with the man, two other witnesses came into the Waterford Police Department to report the same incident.

Police were able to make contact with the suspect, a 19-year-old, who admitted to running into the geese. Police say the teen told them he didn't intend to run the geese over, and that he fled the scene because he was scared.

"I want to remind the public that pets and animals are often unable to defend themselves against individuals who abuse them. It's important for all of us to remember, when you see acts of animal cruelty or abuse, please contact your local police department and report it," Police Chief Dan McCaw said in a statement.

The Oakland County Prosecutor's Office is reviewing the case.