At a Glance
- A St. Johns County deputy chased a runaway emu off County Road 13 about 20 miles west of St. Augustine
- Bodycam footage shows Cpl. Keisler handcuffing the bird’s legs to stop it from kicking
- The emu has been safely reunited with its owner
- Why it matters: The viral video showcases an unusual day in law enforcement and how deputies adapt to unexpected calls
A Florida deputy is gaining viral attention after the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office posted bodycam footage of an unusual pursuit involving a runaway emu on County Road 13.
The Chase Begins
Cpl. Keisler responded to reports of the large, flightless bird loose on the roadway Friday. The location was approximately 20 miles west of St. Augustine.
From the start, Keisler maintained his composure while clearly enjoying the absurdity of the situation. “Interesting, I’m in pursuit of an emu,” he reported to dispatch.
The footage shows the deputy following behind the bird as it moved down the road. “I’m currently behind the emu,” he updated dispatch. “He’s running back southbound in the middle of the road.”
Attempting to Contain the Bird
Keisler exited his patrol vehicle to guide the emu away from traffic. He noted the bird’s impressive features: “You have some big ol’ talons,” while maintaining a safe distance.
The emu proved uncooperative once off the road. According to the sheriff’s office, the bird:
- Ignored the deputy’s commands
- Kicked several times
- Fled on foot recklessly
After a brief chase, Keisler managed to corner the emu near what appeared to be its enclosure.
Unconventional Restraint Methods
The deputy took an unconventional approach to secure the bird. “I’ll be honest with you, I’ve never handcuffed an emu before,” Keisler admitted.
He explained his reasoning: “They’ll fit around his legs and that’ll keep him from kicking.”
The sheriff’s office reported that Keisler first used a makeshift lasso to secure the emu before applying handcuffs to its legs to prevent kicking.
Keeping the Mood Light
Throughout the encounter, Keisler maintained a humorous tone. “Are you done resisting?” he asked the emu.
“I don’t want to have to charge you – don’t talk back to me,” the deputy joked while detaining the bird.
The sheriff’s office confirmed Keisler successfully restrained the emu without causing harm or injury to the animal.
Reflection on a Unique Career Moment
In the Facebook post, Keisler reflected on this rare experience. “In my 25 years, I’ve never handcuffed an emu,” he said off-camera. “This is definitely a new one.”
The video has resonated with viewers who appreciate seeing law enforcement handle unusual situations with professionalism and humor.
Safe Return Home
The story concluded positively for all involved. The St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the emu was reunited with its owner and returned home safely.
The sheriff’s office added a final touch of humor, noting that “all criminal charges against the emu were dropped.”
Viral Response
The bodycam footage has spread widely across social media platforms, with many praising Keisler’s calm handling of the bizarre situation.
The video serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of police work, where officers must be prepared for anything from traffic stops to emu wrangling.
Key Takeaways
- Deputies responded to an emu on the loose Friday on County Road 13
- Cpl. Keisler used handcuffs on the bird’s legs to prevent kicking
- The 25-year veteran had never encountered such a call before
- The emu was safely returned to its owner
- The sheriff’s office shared the lighthearted video on Facebook, where it went viral
