NYPD Officer on Horseback Chases Down Purse Snatcher

Mounted police pursuit through NYC streets ends with arrest of 44-year-old suspect

Apr. 17, 2026 at 9:29pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a police officer's riding crop, the harsh flash illuminating the worn leather and metal details against a stark black background, conveying the urgency and grit of a law enforcement chase through a dense urban environment.A mounted NYPD officer's riding crop captures the intensity of a high-speed pursuit through the crowded streets of New York City.NYC Today

In an unusual scene, an NYPD officer on horseback chased down and apprehended a woman accused of snatching a purse from an elderly victim on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. Video footage shows the mounted officer, riding a horse named Kelly, repeatedly shouting for the 44-year-old suspect to stop as they weaved through traffic and parked cars before a bystander on foot was able to block the woman, leading to her arrest.

Why it matters

While the NYPD's mounted police unit is primarily used for crowd control and community engagement, this incident highlights how the officers' unique vantage point and mobility can be leveraged to pursue suspects in crowded urban environments where traditional patrol cars may struggle to navigate. The case also underscores the importance of community cooperation in helping law enforcement apprehend alleged criminals.

The details

According to the NYPD, the incident unfolded on Monday near the intersection of West 72nd Street and Columbus Avenue, when the 44-year-old suspect, identified as Felicia Field, allegedly snatched a purse from an elderly woman's lap. A mounted police officer on patrol in the area spotted the theft in progress and immediately gave chase on horseback, repeatedly ordering Field to stop as they weaved through traffic and parked vehicles. The pursuit ended when a bystander on foot was able to block Field, allowing the officer to arrest her. She was charged with larceny and providing false information to an officer.

  • The incident occurred on Monday, April 15, 2026 in the Upper West Side neighborhood of Manhattan.
  • The mounted police officer spotted the alleged purse snatching and initiated the chase.

The players

NYPD

The New York City Police Department, which maintains a mounted police unit for crowd control, community engagement, and select law enforcement operations.

Felicia Field

A 44-year-old woman who was arrested and charged with larceny and providing false information to an officer after allegedly snatching a purse from an elderly victim.

Kelly

The name of the horse ridden by the NYPD officer during the pursuit of the suspect.

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What they’re saying

“While our mounted officers are primarily used for crowd control and community engagement, this incident shows how their unique vantage point and mobility can be leveraged to pursue suspects in crowded urban environments.”

— NYPD Spokesperson

What’s next

Felicia Field is scheduled to appear in court on April 22nd, where a judge will determine whether to grant her bail or remand her into custody pending trial.

The takeaway

This case highlights the versatility of the NYPD's mounted police unit, which can be deployed not just for crowd control and community outreach, but also for targeted law enforcement operations in dense urban settings where traditional patrol vehicles may have difficulty navigating. It also underscores the importance of community cooperation in helping police apprehend alleged criminals.