A mounted New York Police Department officer was captured on body camera footage pursuing a suspect through the Upper West Side in a mid-morning incident that ended with an arrest, according to officials.
The incident occurred shortly after 11 a.m. on Wednesday near West 72nd Street in Manhattan.
Video released by authorities shows the officer riding a department horse identified as Kelly while chasing a woman believed to be involved in a purse snatching.
Footage from the officer’s body camera shows the officer repeatedly shouting commands for the woman to stop as she ran along the street.
The horse is seen galloping as the officer closed the distance during the pursuit.
According to police, the chase concluded when a bystander intervened. Officials said a good Samaritan assisted in stopping the suspect, allowing the officer to take her into custody without further incident.
The NYPD confirmed the arrest in a statement posted to social media.
“Whether on foot or on hooves, our officers are always ready,” the department said.
Authorities said the woman now faces charges that include grand larceny.
In addition, she was charged with impersonation after officers reported that she provided a false name during the arrest process.
Police have not released further identifying details about the suspect.
The NYPD’s mounted unit, which was involved in the incident, remains one of the department’s specialized divisions. Officials said the unit plays a role in both law enforcement operations and community engagement.
According to the department, mounted officers are often referred to as “10-foot cops,” a term used to describe the increased visibility that officers have when on horseback.
Police say this visibility can act as a deterrent to criminal activity in busy areas.
The mounted unit has a long history in New York City, dating back to 1858. It continues to operate across multiple boroughs, with officers stationed in four of the city’s five boroughs.
The National Law Enforcement Museum has described the NYPD’s mounted division as one of the largest in the country, noting its continued use in patrol operations and public events.
Officials said mounted patrols are frequently used in areas with heavy foot traffic, including parks, tourist destinations, and densely populated neighborhoods.
The elevated position provided by horseback patrol allows officers to monitor crowds and respond quickly to incidents.
The incident on the Upper West Side highlights the continued use of mounted patrols in urban policing, particularly in situations requiring rapid response in areas with high pedestrian activity.
Police did not indicate whether additional charges may be filed, and the case is expected to proceed through the court system as the suspect faces the charges outlined by authorities.
The NYPD said the mounted unit remains a visible presence in the city, with officers continuing to patrol and respond to incidents as part of broader law enforcement operations.