Watch: Mounted NYPD Officer Apprehends Parolee in Upper West Side Purse-Snatching Case

NEW YORK (VINnews) – A mounted New York City police officer arrested a woman on parole following a reported purse-snatching on the Upper West Side, authorities said.

The incident happened late Wednesday morning near West 72nd Street and Columbus Avenue. Police said the suspect fled on foot after taking a bag, prompting a pursuit by an officer riding a department horse. She was taken into custody a short distance away, and the property was recovered.

The woman, 44, was charged with grand larceny and false impersonation after allegedly giving officers an incorrect name. She was arraigned Thursday and released under supervised conditions, according to officials.

Police said the suspect had been released on parole last year after serving a lengthy prison sentence in connection with a fatal 2000 robbery of a taxi driver in Brooklyn. Authorities said she and others had planned the robbery when the driver was shot.

Officials said the investigation into the latest case remains ongoing.

Whether on foot or on hooves, our officers are always ready.

After someone stole a purse near West 72nd Street, our Mounted officer & his horse, Kelly, kept on her trail.

Galloping down the street & with the help of a witness, they recovered the purse & apprehended the suspect. pic.twitter.com/A6qs7DyoK5

— NYPD NEWS (@NYPDnews) April 16, 2026