Four robbers chased down by mounted patrol

ATLANTA - Residents in Midtown Atlanta witnessed a sight similar to a scene in the Wild West: mounted patrol officers chasing down and apprehending robbers. 

The arrests happened Thursday just west of Piedmont Park, after police said a crew of four juvenile robbers first ambushed a woman for her purse at gunpoint. 

"He pointed a gun at me, asked me for my purse, and I gave it to him," said Robin King, who was caught off-guard while she was ambushed around 10 a.m. 

Police then said the robbers in the area approached another man, pistol-whipped him and demanded his keys; the robbers were unsuccessful at carjacking the man, and fled. 

While Zone 5 and 6 officers were pursuing the suspects, mounted patrol officers-- including Officer Joker, Officer Oreo, and Officer Jake -- happened to be nearby, and their human comrades heard the call on the radio. 

"Being that we were in Piedmont Park, we were able to hurry up and get over to the Piedmont Avenue area," said Mounted Patrol Officer Joseph Williams, who rides with his trusty partner, Jake. 

"When you have three juveniles, they tend to hide in the woods, hide behind fences; the horses are a good useful tool," said Officer Larry Shepherd, who rides with Officer Joker. 

The juveniles were apprehended on Walker Terrace, and all deemed sixteen years old or under. Officers said the juveniles were spooked by the large horses. 

"At one point we told them to stop moving. They were moving because they were shaking," Officer Ryan Dobler said, who rides with Officer Oreo. 

"These great cops on the horses are the ones who got these guys," King said, who was grateful for the officers' work.

 Officer Joker, Officer Oreo, and Officer Jake were rewarded for their efforts with treats.