Newly released footage shows the intense chase between an alleged thief and a horse-mounted police officer in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The video, initially shared on Facebook, captures the officer trying to catch the suspect who is fleeing the scene of a reported robbery near a Walgreens on March 20. Despite the officer repeatedly yelling for the suspect to stop and declaring he is being detained, the suspect continues to run, leading the officer on a dramatic pursuit through the busy streets.
Eventually, the suspect, identified as 30-year-old Marc Chacon, is surrounded by two more mounted officers and is warned to comply with their instructions or face force. He is eventually caught and arrested after being cornered on the sidewalk. The intense video sheds light on the hard work and dedication of the Albuquerque police department, and their use of unique methods to keep the community safe.
According to Fox News, Chacon is charged with shoplifting, evading arrest, and possession of drug paraphernalia in addition to the alleged robbery. The APD’s Horse-Mounted Patrol Unit has been a fixture in downtown Albuquerque for several years, but their presence is now being increased in the area in an effort to revitalize the community. Officer Rob DeBuck believes that the horses serve as a bridge between the police department and the public, allowing for more friendly interactions and a sense of safety for citizens.
Residents of downtown Albuquerque support the increased presence of the Horse-Mounted Patrol Unit and feel that it adds an extra layer of security to the area. They appreciate the officers’ efforts to engage with the community in a positive way, especially in a neighborhood with a high crime rate. As Eugenia Enriquez states, “It’s a good idea for them to be out here just because there is a lot of crimes going on, especially with the homeless around the area.”
Watch: Body cam footage shows the moment a suspected shoplifter was chased and detained by police on horseback in Albuquerque, #NewMexico. pic.twitter.com/lFvoDk4XlG
— Al Arabiya English (@AlArabiya_Eng) March 31, 2024
The Horse-Mounted Patrol Unit plans to have a presence in downtown at least twice a week during the day and also at times during the night. The initiative aims to create a safer and more welcoming environment for residents and visitors alike. The use of advanced technology, such as NIBIN, also helps the APD in solving crimes and keeping the community safe.
NIBIN is a ballistics identification system that allows the APD to match shell casings from crime scenes to firearms, aiding in investigations and bringing justice to those affected by gun violence.