Police horse throws officer off its back and takes off for Times Square

NEW YORK, March 3 (UPI) -- A New York City police horse threw an officer off its back and galloped down Sixth Avenue near Times Square after being startled by a loud noise.

Gunny the police horse was spotted galloping down the busy avenue close to Times Square at around 7:45 p.m. on Wednesday night.

Witness Daniel Kern posted a photo of the scene to Facebook and shared his experience.

"Excitement in Times Square, just called 911, as a beautiful police horse galloped past us on W. 48th St. and headed in wrong direction South on 6th Avenue!" He wrote.

Kern noted that the officer was left with a bloody nose after being dragged briefly before freeing himself. He was later taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

According to WABC Gunny caused minor damage to three cars as he approached another police horse outside of a garage on 47th Street, where he was found by NYPD.