Florida man strikes police horse, leads to wild horseback chase in crowd
By: Ybor City, FL - Video shows the moment a Florida police officer on horseback pursued a 22-year-old suspect after he struck the officer's horse.
The body camera video shows a Tampa Police Department (TPD) Mounted Patrol officer and horse clearing a busy street in Ybor City on March 9.
"Ybor's closed. Time to go home," the officer can be heard saying as he and his horse, Mount Opus, were making their way through the crowd.
However, moments later, the officer can be heard saying, "Do not touch the horse."
Police said Justin Riera then allegedly struck the police horse before running off into the crowd, attempting to evade apprehension.
The horse can be seen galloping through the crowd as the officer went after Riera.
"Stop, you're under arrest. Watch out," the officer said.
Eventually, officers were able to apprehend Riera.
"That's a felony to hit a horse," the officer said.
Riera was booked into the Hillsborough County Jail on one felony count of offenses against police animals for touching or striking the horse, named Mount Opus, and one misdemeanor count of resisting an officer without violence.
TPD reminded the public that K-9s and mounted patrol horses are considered officers and are protected by law. Engaging with these animals requires permission from their handlers.