Lost Tortoise Reunited With Family

[Nebulous]

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/08/04/lost-missing-tortoise-found_n_5647422.html

ALHAMBRA, Calif. (AP) -- A giant tortoise found ambling down a street in suburban Los Angeles has been reunited with its owners.

The Alhambra Police Department says a local family claimed the 150-pound reptile named Clark on Sunday, a day after it was spotted strolling on the street.

It took two officers to heft the creature into a patrol car so they could turn it over to animal control authorities.

The department posted photos of Clark on its Facebook page in hopes of finding the owner and cracked a "Tortoise and Hare" joke about officers capturing the reptile after a brief pursuit.

No word yet on how far the tortoise had gone from home when it was caught.

A call to a police spokesman wasn't immediately returned.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP's earlier story is below.

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 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.

Police are asking anyone with a big tortoise that went missing this weekend to contact them. They aren't sure if this one escaped or was abandoned by its owner.

Police say this particular reptile has some distinctive markings. They aren't revealing them for the time being, however, to ensure that whoever claims the tortoise is its rightful owner.