In a recent incident in New Mexico, police officers pursued a suspected shoplifter on horseback. The Albuquerque Police Department released bodycam footage of the March 20 incident, where suspect Mark Chacon allegedly stole $230 worth of merchandise from a Walgreens location. Chacon was later charged with eluding/evading police on foot, shoplifting, and possession of drug paraphernalia. The video shows the perspective of a mounted officer approaching the drugstore on horseback and engaging in a pursuit with the suspect.
During the pursuit, a woman can be heard in the video urging the officer to “Go get him!” as the officer questions if the suspect had stolen something. The officer then yells out, “Stop! Albuquerque police! You are being detained!” as he chases after Chacon. The suspect, apparently exhausted, ran slowly into moving traffic, leading the officer on horseback to follow. In response, vehicles on the road slowed down to avoid a potentially dangerous situation. However, Chacon eventually walked back onto the sidewalk before any vehicles got too close, and proceeded to return to the highway, where he was cornered by two other officers on horseback.
The officers on horseback continued to order Chacon to get on the ground and be detained, eventually leading to his compliance and arrest. Despite the bizarre nature of the pursuit involving horses, the officers were able to successfully apprehend the suspect. The video footage captures the intensity of the chase and the unique circumstances of the incident. The Albuquerque Police Department has not provided any additional details regarding the incident, and it remains unclear why the suspect chose to flee on foot and put himself in such a dangerous situation.
The use of horses by the police department’s mounted unit in the pursuit adds an interesting element to the story, highlighting the versatility of law enforcement tactics. The officers involved in the chase demonstrated their ability to adapt to unique situations and successfully apprehend a suspect using alternative methods. The bodycam footage offers a firsthand look at the actions taken by the officers during the pursuit, providing insight into the challenges they face in their day-to-day work. The video serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of police work and the dedication of officers to ensuring public safety.
Overall, the incident involving the pursuit of a suspected shoplifter on horseback in New Mexico showcases the quick thinking and perseverance of law enforcement officers. Despite the unusual circumstances of the chase, the officers were able to effectively detain the suspect and bring the situation to a resolution. The bodycam footage of the incident provides a glimpse into the high-pressure environment faced by police officers and the lengths they may go to in order to uphold the law. The use of horses in the pursuit adds a unique element to the story, highlighting the diverse tactics employed by law enforcement agencies in carrying out their duties.
