Arizona DPS troopers escort bull off I-17 early Friday morning

By Ignacio Ventura
Published: Saturday, November 25, 2023 - 6:05am
Updated: Saturday, November 25, 2023 - 10:01am

Interstate 17 near Grant Street in Phoenix
Arizona Department of Transportation
Interstate 17 near Grant Street in Phoenix

Arizona Department of Public Safety troopers were able to corral the bull early Friday morning near Happy Valley and Jomax roads in north Phoenix. The animal was originally loose on the I-17 freeway after it escaped through an opening in a fence.

DPS spokesman Warren Trent says the troopers faced a dangerous situation.

“One of our troopers got out of his truck and noticed that the bull lowered its head in a charging manner so he immediately got back in his vehicle. The bull did not charge him, fortunately," he said.

Troopers led the bull off the highway and back to his pen by flashing lights and blowing horns. There were no injuries.

“I can’t even imagine what the impact the devastation would have caused had a motorist struck the bull or if the bull had come in contact with one of our troopers or attempted to," Trent said.

He also says animals on the highway or roads happen occasionally. However, encounters with bulls are much rarer.

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