A Florida police officer on horseback pursued a 22-year-old suspect who struck the officer’s horse in Ybor City. The body camera video shows the officer and his horse, Mount Opus, clearing a busy street on March 9. The suspect, Justin Riera, allegedly struck the police horse before running off into the crowd, leading to a pursuit by the officer.

The horse can be seen galloping through the crowd as the officer chased after Riera, eventually apprehending him. Riera was booked into the Hillsborough County Jail on one felony count of offenses against police animals for striking the horse and one misdemeanor count of resisting an officer without violence. The officer reminded the public that K-9s and mounted patrol horses are considered officers and are protected by law.

The Tampa Police Department emphasized that engaging with police animals like K-9s and mounted patrol horses requires permission from their handlers. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting and not harming these animals, as they play a crucial role in law enforcement operations.