Florida Man Arrested for Striking Police Horse in Ybor City

A 22-year-old man, Justin Riera, was arrested in Ybor City, Florida, for allegedly punching a police horse named Mount Opus during a patrol on March 9. Body camera footage shows Riera approaching the horse before striking it, prompting a mounted officer to chase him through a crowd and call for backup. He faces one felony charge for offenses against police animals and a misdemeanor charge for resisting an officer without violence. Tampa Police emphasized that police animals are considered officers under the law and that intentional harm to them carries serious penalties. Authorities reminded the public to always seek permission from handlers before approaching police animals. The incident underscores the legal protections afforded to mounted patrol horses and K-9s in law enforcement.