Takoma's Runaway Horse Seen Lurking in Burtonsville

Organizers of today's Burtonsville Day Parade and Festival are on high alert after the runaway horse who wreaked havoc at the July 4th parade in Takoma Park was seen lurking near Restaurant 198.

The riderless brown horse, without a bridle or saddle, caused pandemonium along the Takoma Park parade route this summer, scattering bystanders and knocking over a woman who fell and cut her mouth as it raced passed the floats and marching bands.

The horse was seen scoping out the parade staging area at the Marilyn J Praisner Community Recreation Center yesterday afternoon and again this morning behind Restaurant 198.

Burtonsville officials say deputized citizens with tranquilizer guns will be on hand to keep crowds safe. "Just watch it try to get by me!" exclaimed parade organizer Dave Golden.

Residents who see the horse are urged not to approach the potentially dangerous animal and to instead call animal control.