- Can’t believe they didn’t even fine the guy.
The police in Redmond, Washington, were called to remove a suspect obstructing traffic last week. Nothing could’ve prepared them for what awaited them.
The suspect was recklessly jaywalking in the middle of the road with no regard for his or others’ safety. He brazenly ignored orders to move away from the road, forcing the police to attempt to apprehend him.
At this point, the suspect became belligerent. Bodycam footage from the incident shows him attacking one of the officers.
After the cops finally subdued him, they found that the suspect was unable to properly identify himself due to lacking any and all IDs.
Yet, perhaps the most outrageous part of it all is that the police allowed the suspect to get away scot-free. They didn’t arrest the suspect, issue any fines, or even give him a warning.
That’s because the suspect was a cranky beaver.
There was one thing the cops did at the end of the events, though. They cautioned drivers to be on the lookout in case the beaver comes back.
‘Suspicious Subject’
On February 25, around 10:15 p.m., the Redmond Police Department (RPD) received a call informing them of a traffic disturbance at the intersection of Avondale Road and NE 95th Street. In a statement, the RPD said the caller informed them of a “suspicious subject” blocking traffic along the road.
Once the officers arrived at the scene, they realized they had their work cut out for them. Awaiting them was what the RPD described as a “determined beaver.”
The beaver was moseying along the road according to its own will. It seemed not to give a hoot or a holler about the cars around it — or the police.
Initially, the cops attempted to shoo the large rodent out of the road. However, it proved less than compliant.
“Despite clear verbal commands, the subject refused to comply and continued evading officers, demonstrating blatant disregard for crosswalks, traffic signals, and basic roadway safety rules,” the RPD said.
Bodycam footage from the incident demonstrates the beaver’s stubbornness. Even when it did briefly approach the side of the road, it soon turned back.
“He doesn’t wanna go on the sidewalk,” one of the officers can be heard lamenting.
‘Act of Resistance’
With the beaver’s complete disregard for spoken instructions, the police had no choice but to get physical. They soon found out that their suspect wasn’t above resisting arrest by force.
The bodycam footage shows the rotund rodent struggling and wiggling as the police attempt to (unsuccessfully) lift it. Although it didn’t bare its teeth, the beaver did resort to other forms of violence.
“During the incident, the beaver did deploy his tail in a brief act of resistance, slapping one officer’s hand. Fortunately, no injuries were reported,” the RPD wrote.
Yet, it seems the beaver eventually got tired of the cops harassing it. At long last, it decided to cross the street instead of just sitting in the middle of it.
The video footage shows an officer escorting the beaver across the road while stopped cars wait at the intersection.
“After several patient attempts and some skilled negotiations, officers successfully coaxed the beaver across the roadway and into a nearby wooded area, where he was last seen continuing his evening plans,” said the RPD.
As the beaver climbed onto the sidewalk and began slowly crawling toward the bushes, the cops realized they hadn’t ID’d their suspect. Any attempts to do so were doomed to fail.
“We are told the suspect lacks both ID and a driver’s license,” the RPD said.
He’ll Be Back
Finally, the beaver went on its merry way, and traffic could continue unabated. Despite the beaver’s blatant disregard for the law and resisting law enforcement officers, he got away without even a stern talking-to.
“No arrests were made, and no citations were issued,” reported the RPD.
If anything, the cops gave a warning to the stopped drivers. The intersection is close to Bear Creek and two wooded parks, which have wildlife living in them.
“Please use caution in this area, especially at night. This individual has shown a clear pattern of ignoring traffic laws,” the police department cautioned.
In other words, be careful, because the beaver may return. Who knows what havoc he’ll wreak the next time?
For more animal-related crime stories, read about the time the public pressured a Michigan police department to drop an investigation into a K-9 officer accused of stealing lunches.