BY: ABQ RAW staff
POSTED: 10/06/2023 @ 3:40PM
Neha Jones, 60, of Albuquerque, left, and APD Police Horse Heavy Drop or (HD)
Albuquerque – On October 5th, 2023, an incident that unfolded at the intersection of Wyoming Blvd and Central Ave in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The violence against a police horse happened when Albuquerque Police’s Mounted Police Unit was on horseback patrol. Officers on horseback observed several individuals at a bus stop on westbound Central Ave, just west of Wyoming Blvd, in front of 8601 Central Blvd NE.
The officers approached the group to address concerns about loitering at the bus stop, a recurring issue in the area. During the encounter, one of the individuals, later identified as Neha Jones, 60-year-old, of Albuquerque, requested permission to pet the officer’s horse, Heavy Drop (HD). However, the officer declined the request as they were on duty and actively working a situation.
Subsequently, Jones moved towards the rear of the horse and struck it with the backside of his hand. The officer felt the horse react to the strike and promptly intervened, instructing Mr. Jones not to harm the animal and informing him that he was no longer free to leave.
Efforts were made by the other individuals at the bus stop to shield Jones, but the officers managed to separate them. Jones attempted to evade detention by turning and running northward, prompting the officers to pursue him on horseback, repeatedly advising him that he was not free to leave.
As Jones neared the building at 8601 Central Ave NE, a security guard, joined in the effort to restrain him. During this struggle, Jones was observed producing a bottle of alcohol, consuming it, and pouring it on himself and onto the ground.
Ultimately, with the combined efforts of the officers and the security guard, handcuffs were placed on Jones, overcoming his resistance. He was charged with injury to a police horse, drinking in public, and resisting/evading arrest. We observed APD Police horse Heavy Drop (HD) at a press conference and was back to working with no long term injuries.