This Aug. 2, 2014 photo provided by the Alhambra Police Department shows a giant 150-pound tortoise who was found wandering the streets of Alhambra, Calif. The tortoise was lifted into a patrol car and taken to the station, where it was later picked up by Los Angeles County Animal Care and Control in Downey. (AP Photo/Alhambra Police Department)
ALHAMBRA, California — At least officers didn’t have to issue a speeding ticket when they spotted a giant tortoise ambling down a street suburban Los Angeles.
The Alhambra Police Department joked on its Facebook page that the 150-pound (68-kilogram) reptile was captured Saturday afternoon after a brief pursuit.
“The tortoise did try to make a run for it; but, our officers are pretty fast,” the post said.
It took two officers to heft the hard-shelled creature into a patrol car. They then took the reptile to the local police station before turning it over to animal control authorities.
Giant tortoises are not indigenous to the Los Angeles area.