What began as a festive Christmas concert patrol quickly turned into frontline action for Queensland Police’s Mounted Unit, who played a key role in the arrest of a 17-year-old Greenslopes boy in Brisbane City on 2 December.
At around 1.30pm, police were called to a fast-food restaurant on Queen Street following reports of an alleged assault and disturbance.
Before officers arrived, the teenager allegedly fled the scene on foot.
At the time, the Mounted Unit was patrolling nearby as part of the Commissioner’s Christmas concert, with troop horses Stormy, Lance, Karma and Kokoda dressed in Christmas-themed gear and spreading some holiday cheer through the Central Business District.
When the call for assistance came through, the festive patrol switched seamlessly into operation mode.
Officers and their horses moved swiftly through the city streets – bells jingling, and tracked the teenager to the intersection of Albert and Turbot Streets, where he was taken into police custody.
Thanks to the Mounted Unit’s elevated vantage point, rapid mobility, and the horses’ quick work, the 17-year-old was arrested without further incident.
He has been charged with one count of assault occasioning bodily harm and appeared before Brisbane Children’s Court today.
While the Mounted Unit is well known for its ceremonial roles and community engagement, particularly during the festive season, this incident is a reminder of their critical frontline capability.
As the unit looks ahead to 2026, they remain committed to enhancing operational readiness and continuing to play a key role in keeping Queensland communities safe.
