A loose kangaroo caused quite a stir in Cleveland on Wednesday, Jan. 28, after it was spotted hopping along FM 1010 South.
Cleveland Police Chief Darrel Broussard said the unusual call was a first in his law enforcement career.
“I’ve wrangled a lot of animals over the years, but this one made me feel like I was in the Australian Outback,” Broussard said.
The rescue effort was handled by Cleveland Police Department Animal Control, with assistance from several Good Samaritans who stopped to help when they saw the situation unfolding.
According to Broussard, the kangaroo was on the run for about an hour, darting in and out of wooded areas along the roadway. He said the animal was likely frightened from its enclosure after being chased by dogs.
Despite the unusual circumstances, Broussard said the situation ended without incident.
“Everything worked out well,” he said. “After we caught him, he sat in the back of the patrol car — unhandcuffed.”
The kangaroo was eventually picked up by its owners, who Broussard said were relieved to have the animal safely returned.
“I have learned more about kangaroos today than I have in my whole life,” Broussard added.
No injuries were reported during the incident.