NYPD Horse Chase of Alleged Thief on Parole for Murder Sparks Fury
An unusual police chase through New York City has stirred up some anger online-not for the animal or the arresting officer, but for the criminal and her unbelievable record.
Felicia Field, 44, fled from the mounted officer and tried to lose him by going under construction scaffolding and weaving between parked cars until a bystander intercepted her.
But her arrest record-including a conviction in 2000 of second-degree murder-made some ask why she was even free and walking the streets.
“Robbery suspect who police chased on a horse in Mamdani's Wild West…. Has FOURTEEN prior arrests and is on lifetime parole for MURDER,” the X account Libs of TikTok wrote on Friday morning.
Newsweek reached out to the NYPD by email on Friday afternoon for further information and comment.
Why It Matters
Democratic-led reforms expanding parole eligibility and alternatives to incarceration have faced political backlash amid crime debates. While many Democrats argue parole reform reduces recidivism and overcrowding, opponents inside and outside the party warn the reforms risk being framed as "soft on crime" during elections.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s public safety agenda includes redirecting resources away from traditional policing toward community-based safety programs, as part of a broader progressive platform. His plans have drawn sharp criticism from opponents who argue that reducing police funding and expanding social-service–led responses could undermine public safety, while supporters say his approach aligns with reformist goals aimed at prevention and equity.
What To Know
The chase, which took place on Wednesday at around 11 a.m. ET, was captured by the officer’s body camera. In the footage, he deftly maneuvers his horse through the crowded and chaotic streets of New York City while yelling to Field and ordering her to stop. She appeared to ignore his orders.
The video drew attention for how unusual the whole pursuit was, but it was the accompanying information that drew attention-and might not have surfaced at all if not for the publication of the footage.
Fields was convicted in April 2000 for second-degree murder in connection with the killing of a livery cabdriver she attempted to rob with a group of friends, and for which Fields received a sentence of 25 years to life. However, she was later released, having served time and given a lifetime parole.
Field faces new charges for larceny and providing false information.
Reactions to Felicia Field’s Record
Conservative commentator Ann Coulter sounded off on Fields, writing on X that the fact she was on “parole for MURDER” was indicative of “the state of our civilization.”
Podcast host Chad Prather echoed the sentiment, writing on X that Fields was a “thug” who was “chased down” by the officer and asked “WHY WAS [SHE] ON THE STREETS?”
Erik Bryant, a self-described “proud conservative,” went further and wrote a lengthy post on X, highlighting that Fields had received parole and chosen to go “back on the streets … snatching a woman’s purse in broad daylight like it’s her full-time job.”
“Felicia Field, 44, with a rap sheet a mile long - **14 prior arrests** - decides it's time for round two of preying on innocent New Yorkers,” Bryant wrote.
“But here’s the part that should make you furious,” he added. “She was **released on her own recognizance** after this bust.”
This article includes reporting by the Associated Press.
Newsweek's reporters and editors used Martyn, our Al assistant, to help produce this story. Learn more about Martyn.
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This story was originally published April 17, 2026 at 3:04 PM.