Man arrested after hitting Tampa police horse in Ybor City, officers say
Share and Follow


The 22-year-old man was arrested and charged with one felony count of offenses against police animals and resisting officers.

TAMPA, Fla. — A 22-year-old man was arrested over the weekend after he allegedly struck a horse with the Tampa Police Department before attempting to avoid officers.

The department shared bodycam video of the incident on its Facebook page. The video begins with an officer on the horse, named “Mount Opus,” announcing to crowds of people, “Ybor is closed, it’s time to go home.”

Soon after, the horse stumbles after being hit.

“Do not touch the horse!” the officer yells. “Hey, you’re under arrest.”

The video shows the officer pursuing the 22-year-old on his horse through a crowd of people on the sidewalk.

‘Watch out, Tampa police!” the officer said while riding through the crowd. “Arrest that man!”

Other officers can be seen surrounding the man before handcuffing him. The department said he has been charged with one felony count of offenses against police animals and resisting officers.

“Intentionally striking our four-legged partners is a crime with serious consequences,” officers said in the Facebook post. “While our K-9s and horses love engaging with the community, always ask their handler for permission before approaching.”

Video of the incident can be viewed below:

K-9s and Mounted Patrol horses are officers and are protected by law.

Over the weekend, while on duty in Ybor City, Mount Opus was struck by a 22-year-old suspect. The suspect attempted to flee but was quickly taken into custody. He now faces two charges: One Felony Count of Offenses Against Police Animals (touch or strike) and One Misdemeanor Count of Resisting Officer Without Violence.

So, let this be your reminder: intentionally striking our four-legged partners is a crime with serious consequences. While our K-9s and horses love engaging with the community, always ask their handler for permission before approaching.

Posted by Tampa Police Department on Tuesday, March 11, 2025

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Harvard professor says white men get rejected in favor of minorities

Harvard Professor Highlights Challenges White Men Face in Diverse Hiring Practices

A prominent Harvard historian has announced his departure from the prestigious university…
Body found in search for Texas teen who vanished on a Christmas walk

Tragic Discovery: Body Found in Search for Missing Texas Teen Who Disappeared on Christmas Walk

A tragic development has emerged in the search for a missing Texas…
Heiress claims murder of Dem lawmaker is linked to Somali fraud scheme

Heiress Alleges Connection Between Murder of Democratic Lawmaker and Somali Fraud Scheme

A Minnesota state senator has criticized actress and socialite Sara Foster for…
What's open and closed on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day 2026

2026 New Year’s Eve and Day: A Comprehensive Guide to What’s Open and Closed

As the calendar flips its pages to mark the end of another…

Devastating Christmas Storm Causes Mudslide to Ravage Southern California Home

The holiday season took a disastrous turn for one homeowner when a…
3 hikers, including 19-year-old, found dead on Southern California's Mount Baldy, sheriff's department says

Tragic Discovery: Three Hikers, Including Teen, Found Deceased on Mount Baldy in Southern California

A tragic incident unfolded in the Mount Baldy region of Southern California,…
Body found during search for missing Texas teen Camila Mendoza Olmos as another teen girl disappears

Remains Discovered Amid Search for Missing Texas Teen Camila Mendoza Olmos; New Case Emerges with Another Teen’s Disappearance

On Tuesday evening, a body was discovered in Bexar County, Texas, as…
Woman arrested for deadly stabbing of man at Grand Park home

Woman Detained in Fatal Stabbing Incident at Grand Park Residence

In a tragic incident unfolding just after the holiday season, a Jacksonville…