Elderly Man Straps Deer to Roof After Collision, Pulled Over by SAHP Captain on Route 13

LOS SANTOS, SAN ANDREAS — A routine drive turned bizarre Friday evening when an elderly man struck a deer on US Route 13, then continued his journey with the animal strapped to the roof of his sedan prompting a traffic stop by the San Andreas Highway Patrol.

The incident occurred just after 6:00 p.m. on the northbound lanes of Route 13 near the Vinewood Hills exit. According to SAHP officials, the man identified only as a 72-year-old Los Santos resident Philip Oliver Holz told troopers he was “trying not to let a good thing go to waste” after the deer darted into traffic and was struck by his vehicle.

Witnesses reported seeing the man exit his car, examine the animal, and then hoist the limp carcass onto the roof before securing it with a set of frayed bungee cords and what appeared to be speaker wire. He then resumed his drive north toward Sandy Shores, antlers bobbing in the wind.

Calls to emergency services quickly followed, with concerned motorists describing the scene as “something out of a cartoon” and “a hazard waiting to happen.” SAHP troopers intercepted the vehicle near the Union Grain silos, where they initiated a traffic stop without incident. “He wasn’t driving erratically, but it was certainly not safe or legal to transport an unsecured animal in that manner especially on the roof,” said SAHP Captain Carter Vaught . “It posed a risk not only to himself but to other drivers on the highway.”

The man reportedly told troopers he had planned to take the deer home to “make use of the meat,” believing he was doing the responsible thing. However, troopers issued him a citation for improper transport of wildlife and released him from the scene after having the animal removed by Fish and Wildlife authorities.

Officials remind the public that in San Andreas, any wildlife collisions resulting in a fatality must be reported to authorities, and proper processing must be conducted by licensed personnel. Transporting a deer or any game animal without notification and in such an unsafe manner violates state conservation and traffic laws.

The incident, though unusual, serves as a reminder to handle wildlife collisions with care and to contact appropriate agencies when in doubt.

No injuries were reported. The deer was confirmed to be deceased prior to transport.

SAHP urges motorists to remain vigilant on rural highways where deer crossings are common, especially during early morning and dusk hours.