Lafayette Police Made Arrests After Horseback Ride
Two individuals were arrested following a large horseback gathering in downtown Lafayette that prompted a street cleanup.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Large Animals
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Lafayette police arrested two people after a large group of horseback riders congregated in the downtown area on October 10. The event necessitated a cleanup of horse waste from local streets, including Jefferson Street.
Why it matters
While horseback riding is legal on city roadways when traffic laws are followed, participants faced charges for refusing to vacate private property and blocking access to a driveway. Downtown ambassadors were required to manage the sanitation of public spaces following the gathering.
Police arrived at 10:20 p.m. to disperse the group that had organized on Instagram to meet at Paul Davis Park at 8 p.m. Two arrests were executed following the event.
The players
Keauante Spencer
This individual was arrested for criminal trespass and resisting an officer.
Norbert Berard
This individual was arrested for blocking a driveway and flight from an officer.
Mark Bonnet
This individual currently has an outstanding arrest warrant.
Downtown Development Authority
This city agency is responsible for the management and maintenance of the downtown area.
The details
Police were called to the scene after participants blocked a driveway and refused instructions to leave the area. Following the incident, Downtown Development Authority ambassadors were tasked with cleaning horse waste from Jefferson Street and surrounding downtown areas.
Timeline
October 10, 2026: A large group of horseback riders gathered in downtown Lafayette.
October 10, 2026, 8:00 p.m.: The group scheduled their meeting time at Paul Davis Park.
October 10, 2026, 10:20 p.m.: Police arrived at the scene to instruct participants to leave.
Halloween 2026: A future horseback ride is reportedly planned.
Culture Shift
The intersection of social media-organized events and urban public spaces is challenging traditional city ordinances regarding livestock. This incident reflects a broader tension between public recreational rights and municipal requirements for property access and street sanitation.
Residents should be aware that while horseback riding remains legal on city streets, any deviation from traffic laws or unauthorized use of private property will result in police intervention. Commuters and pedestrians should expect potential disruptions in downtown areas if future large gatherings occur.
The takeaway
Organizers of large public gatherings must prioritize adherence to local property and traffic laws to avoid criminal charges. Residents should confirm whether planned events have received municipal coordination to ensure public safety and property accessibility.
What happens next
A follow-up horseback ride is currently being planned by participants for Halloween 2026.
Further reading
For more context on how city regulations apply to the presence of equines, see our Large Animals section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KLFY 10 Lafayette.
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Should local authorities permit organized horseback rides through busy downtown areas?
