Chase Between a 150-Pound Tortoise and Police Car Just Doesn't Seem Fair

A giant tortoise was found wandering the streets of
Alhambra, California, then lifted into a patrol car and taken to the
station.

Slow and steady does not win the race. This time.


A 150-pound giant tortoise named Dirk managed to escape his home in
Alhambra, California, last Saturday. The brave brute's need for speed
almost landed him in a police chase, according to the Alhambra Police
Department, which wrote on their Facebook page that they "almost had a pursuit."

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Two officers were able to lift the massive creature and take him into
custody. He was taken to the L.A. County Animal Care and Control in
Downey, California before being claimed by his owners.




The BBC
reports that Dirk is a specific breed of African tortoise called the
sulcata tortoise, which can run up to one mile per hour. According to
the local penal code, it is illegal to own such an exotic breed of
animal. The Alhambra Police Department decided to make an exception in
Dirk's case, saying "we enjoy keeping families together."


Dirk is safe and sound with his owners again, at least until he gets
another bout of wanderlust. Ride on, Dirk, you crazy speed demon.