Four self-described “cutthroat cowboys” who rode horses through a Louisiana Walmart now face criminal charges after their stunt went viral on social media.

At a Glance

• Three men and one juvenile have been charged after riding horses inside a Baker, Louisiana Walmart on April 8
• Brendon Bridgewater, 24, Patrick Derozan, 22, Mason Webb, 18, and a 16-year-old boy face charges including disturbing the peace
• The incident was captured on video and went viral on TikTok and other social media platforms
• All four voluntarily surrendered to police after being identified from the videos
• One rider claimed his horse was an “emotional support animal” while downplaying the incident

Viral Horseback Ride Leads to Legal Trouble

What began as an attention-seeking prank quickly turned into a legal headache for four individuals who decided to ride their horses through a Walmart in Baker, Louisiana. The April 8 incident, which went viral across social media platforms, showed the riders casually trotting down store aisles while surprised shoppers looked on.

The Baker Police Department identified the culprits as Brendon Bridgewater, 24, Patrick Derozan, 22, Mason Webb, 18, and a 16-year-old juvenile after videos of the unauthorized equestrian outing spread online.

The four individuals, who voluntarily turned themselves in after being identified, now face multiple charges including entering and remaining after being forbidden, unlawful posting of criminal activity, and disturbing the peace.

Louisiana law specifically prohibits posting or livestreaming a crime for notoriety or publicity – exactly what appears to have motivated the group’s attention-grabbing stunt. The charges carry potential penalties including fines up to $500 and jail sentences of up to six months.

NEW: Louisiana man says he rode his horse through a Walmart because he had to bring his "emotional support animal" with him.

Lmao.

Mason Webb and the "Cut Throat Cowboys" went viral after they rode their horses around the store.

"It was fun, we were famous. That's all. We… pic.twitter.com/TztCIysg9c

— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) April 12, 2025

“Emotional Support” Excuse Falls Flat

Mason Webb, one of the charged riders, attempted to downplay the seriousness of the incident by claiming his horse was his “emotional support animal.” Webb, who referred to the group as the “cutthroat cowboys,” told reporters: “It was fun, we were famous. That’s all.” This cavalier attitude stands in stark contrast to the concerns raised by both law enforcement and store employees about public safety during the incident. The young men appeared more concerned with social media notoriety than the potential risks their actions posed.

“Might be fun to them at the time, but you know, this could’ve been real bad for other citizens,” said Baker Police Chief Carl Dunn. “We’ve got to always think of others before we act.”

Video captured by a Walmart employee revealed legitimate concerns about customer safety. The footage showed the employee expressing alarm about the situation, stating: “They ain’t supposed to come in here like that.

They’re gonna scare the s–t out of somebody.” The potential for horses to become startled in the unfamiliar, enclosed retail environment with bright lights and loud noises posed a significant danger to shoppers, employees, and even the animals themselves.

Social Media Stunt Culture Meets Legal Reality

This incident highlights a growing trend where individuals prioritize social media fame over common sense and public safety. The “cutthroat cowboys” achieved their apparent goal of viral notoriety, but now face the very real consequences of their actions in the legal system. All four individuals turned themselves in after police issued arrest warrants following their identification in the widely circulated videos. Their stunt, while generating clicks and views online, ultimately resulted in criminal charges that could impact their futures.

“They’ve got to always think of others before we act,” advised Police Chief Dunn, pointing to the broader social responsibility that often gets overlooked in the pursuit of internet fame.

For store owners and law enforcement alike, the incident serves as a reminder of the challenges presented by social media-driven behavior. Private businesses increasingly find themselves unwilling participants in publicity stunts designed to go viral, forcing them to deal with disruptions, safety concerns, and potential property damage.

The Baker Walmart incident fortunately ended without physical injuries, but the charges filed against the four riders send a clear message that such behavior carries consequences beyond internet fame.

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