The NYPD police officer who raced through the Upper West Side on horseback in pursuit of a purse snatcher earlier this month recounted the heroic moment after being promoted on Friday.
Officer Kyle McLaughlin will now be referred to as a detective following the April 15 incident, in which the 36-year-old husband and father rode his horse, Kelly, down West 72nd Street and Columbus Avenue like a cowboy. According to McLaughlin, he was riding Kelly to Central Park when he was flagged down by a member of the public.
Body camera footage showed McLaughlin chasing the suspect, now identified as Felicia Field, and apprehending the thief in dramatic video.
“I was able to apprehend the individual safely, and no one got hurt,” McLaughlin said. “At the end of the day, we’re New York City police officers, and we have to take action.”
Reflecting on the moment that made headlines and front pages, McLaughlin said he is proud to have shown his family what he does at work. He also said he was grateful for the opportunity to give the public a glimpse into the NYPD’s work.
“Our department doesn’t really get that much good recognition, and it’s good to see that there’s another side to this department. We are here to help everyone,” McLaughlin said.
Meanwhile, Kelly the horse also got his due for galloping to the rescue — or in this case, his carrots. While he did not receive a rank, instead remaining a police horse, Kelly was showered with praise by his partner.
“Kelly’s one of the smallest horses in the unit, but he’s got the biggest heart, and he’s a mush with everyone. But at the end of the day, don’t challenge him, because he will step up to the plate,” McLaughlin said of the 23-year-old horse.
Despite his promotion, McLaughlin will remain in the mounted unit with Kelly.
