NYPD Officer on Horseback Chases Down Purse Snatcher

Mounted unit officer races through Manhattan streets to apprehend suspect

Apr. 16, 2026 at 11:37pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a police officer's gloved hand gripping the reins of a horse, the animal's head and neck filling the frame, with a stark, direct flash illuminating the textured fur and leather in high contrast, conceptually representing the intensity and danger of a mounted police pursuit.A mounted NYPD officer's pursuit of an alleged purse snatcher exposes the risks and challenges of high-speed chases on city streets.NYC Today

A New York City police officer on horseback chased down a woman accused of stealing a purse in Manhattan's Upper West Side neighborhood. The officer, part of the NYPD's Mounted Unit, pursued the suspect through the streets, yelling at her to stop running, until a bystander helped apprehend her.

Why it matters

The incident highlights the unique role of the NYPD's Mounted Unit, which is typically deployed for crowd control and observation, but in this case was able to use the mobility and visibility of a horse to chase down a fleeing suspect. It also raises questions about the safety of such high-speed pursuits through crowded city streets.

The details

According to the police, the officer on horseback, riding a horse named Kelly, spotted the suspect, identified as Felicia Field, 44, and ordered her to stop running after she allegedly stole a purse from an elderly woman. Field led the officer on a chase through the streets, at one point running under sidewalk scaffolding and between parked cars, until a bystander was able to intercept her. Field was charged with larceny and providing false information to police.

  • The incident occurred on Thursday, April 16, 2026.
  • Field was arrested on Thursday, April 16, 2026.

The players

Felicia Field

A 44-year-old woman accused of stealing a purse and leading an NYPD officer on a chase through the streets of Manhattan. Field has a prior conviction for second-degree murder from 2001.

NYPD Mounted Unit Officer

An unidentified officer from the NYPD's Mounted Unit who chased down the suspect on horseback.

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What they’re saying

“'Stop running!'”

— NYPD Mounted Unit Officer

“'You're going to hurt somebody! You're going to hurt this horse! What is wrong with you? Stop! Get out of the street!'”

— Bystander

What’s next

The circumstances of Field's release from her previous 25-year-to-life sentence for second-degree murder are still unclear and may be further investigated.

The takeaway

This incident showcases the unique capabilities of the NYPD's Mounted Unit, which was able to use the speed and maneuverability of a horse to chase down a fleeing suspect. However, it also raises concerns about the safety of such high-speed pursuits in crowded urban areas and the potential risks to both the officer, the suspect, and bystanders.