Durango Police Department is searching for a man suspected of performing a sexually deviant act on a horse at the La Plata County Fairgrounds.

Police responded to the fairgrounds about 10 p.m. Thursday after receiving a report of a man having sexual intercourse with the horse, according to a news release from the city of Durango. A caretaker for the horse had a video surveillance camera inside the stall, according to police.

“We are investigating the case, but it’s early in the process so we haven’t identified a suspect or made any arrests,” said Cmdr. Ray Shupe, spokesman with the department.

The suspect eventually noticed the video surveillance camera and took it. But the camera was linked to an application and alerted the horse’s caretaker. The caretaker took a screenshot of the incident and provided it to police, Shupe said.

Officers arrived quickly but were unable to locate the man, Shupe said.

The suspect is described as a male wearing a hoodie with a horizontal stripe, a hat, glasses and a mask. He had long, almost shoulder-length hair that was lighter in color, according to the city’s news release.

The police department and La Plata County Animal Protection have asked for the public’s assistance in identifying the man.

Police retrieved a backpack and took pictures of a bicycle and a jacket that may also belong to the suspect.

“This case is very concerning based on the sexually deviant behavior of the suspect,” the city’s release said. “We believe there is a public safety concern, and we would like to identify this suspect as soon as possible. We are asking anyone with information on the identity of this suspect to please come forward.”

Detective Tony Meraz is the lead detective and can be reached at 375-4738. Community members who wish to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 247-1112.

smullane@durangoherald.com