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A New York Police Department detective made headlines after galloping through Manhattan to catch a purse snatcher. His heroic efforts earned him a promotion on Friday, although he modestly described the daring chase as just another day on the job, saying he was simply “taking action.”
Kyle McLaughlin, 36, advanced from detective to detective specialist in recognition of his April 15 apprehension of Felicia Field—a paroled convict with a history of homicide—at the intersection of West 72nd Street and Columbus Avenue.
“It’s fantastic. Being promoted is an incredible feeling,” said McLaughlin, who is a father of four and married. He added, “[This is] the greatest department in the world.”
At the time of the incident, McLaughlin was patrolling on his 23-year-old standardbred horse, Kelly, when passersby alerted him to the theft of a woman’s purse.
In a scene reminiscent of classic Westerns, McLaughlin pursued the suspect for about a block before successfully arresting Field, 44, all while maintaining a firm grip on Kelly’s reins, as he noted, “We never let go of our horse.”
“At the end of the day, we’re our New York City police officers, and we have to take action, but we also make sure that the horse is safe, as well as the citizens of New York are safe,” he said.
“We were just trying to make sure that the woman got the help that she needed, and at the end of the day, as long as [Kelly is] OK, I’m OK and [the victim’s] OK, that’s all that matters,” he added.
He said it’s standard practice to give Kelly a few treats after a day on the city streets, but he was awarded with “extra carrots” after the headline-grabbing arrest.
McLaughlin became a cop 13 years ago and joined the mounted unit seven years ago.
It took only about two months for McLaughlin and his equine pal to click as partners, he said.
“And ever since, it’s been awesome,” the detective said. “He’s got my back. I got his.”
“Kelly’s one of the smallest horses in the unit, but he’s got the biggest heart,” he added. “He’s a mush with everyone, but at the end of the day, when we challenge him, he will step up.”
Kelly was a race horse who was up for slaughter before the StandardBred Association adopted him, followed by the NYPD.
He was named after Police Officer John M. Kelly, of the Staten Island Auto Larceny Unit, who died in the line of duty when he crashed his cruiser while pursuing a stolen motorcycle in 2000.
During promotions, NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch called McLaughlin and Kelly’s job-well-done “exactly the kind of moment that shows the range and the readiness of the New York City Police Department.”
Kelly – who at one point munched on an apple – stood alongside McLaughlin, his wife Samantha and kids Axton, Remi, Wes and Elledi outside 1 Police Plaza after the ceremony.
“I’m just really proud of him,” Samantha said of her husband. “He loves doing what he does. His horse is amazing. They’re great partners. You always need to trust your partner. And I think he has.”
Friday’s honorees also included Chief Russell Green, the Commanding Officer of Patrol Borough Queens North, who was promoted from a one-star to a two-star chief.
His mentor was Transportation Chief Thomas Morris, who died of COVID-19 at 61 back in June of 2020.
Morris served as the borough commander of Patrol Borough Manhattan South, while Green was the commanding officer of the Midtown South Precinct.
“I learned quite a bit from him,” Green said. “He was known as a consummate professional perfectionist with all the large events and details that occur in Midtown, and I learned by watching him do it and looked up to him as a mentor.”
Morris’ widow, Rosemarie Morris, pinned her late husband’s shield on Greene in an emotional moment.
“[My husband] was a great leader and was a tremendous mentor to many people,” she told Green. “But I know in my heart that he would be extremely proud and honored that you are here today being promoted to two star [chief] and more importantly, carrying his shield.”