Spokesman: Suspect in horse shootings is active Iowa National Guard captain

The Cedar Rapids man who is accused of shooting and killing a horse and wounding two others is an active captain in the Iowa National Guard.

Ryan Grafft, 31, is accused of firing more than a dozen shots at the horses in a Johnson County pasture Sunday afternoon.

Col. Greg Hapgood of the Iowa National Guard confirmed Wednesday that Grafft was deployed to Iraq from September 2005 until July 2007. Hapgood said Grafft's unit participated in "active combat" while overseas.

Graft fired multiple shots into the pasture for no apparent reason, then admitted it was a "stupid" thing to do, according to a criminal complaint.  Earlier this week, the horses' owner said he didn't know the shooter or have any history with him.

Grafft faces multiple charges, including shooting a rifle over the highway and injury to animals.  According to jail staff he posted $17,500 bond on Tuesday and has been released from custody.