Alabama Sheila the kangaroo was strong enough to stop traffic along Interstate 85 in Macon County, Alabama on April 29. A rare event occurred just before noon on Friday, March 25th, between the cities of Tuskegee and Auburn. Motorists and nearby law enforcement almost immediately flocked to the scene. Sheila, a resident of the Lee County petting zoo where she was raised, found herself on the interstate by accident. This resulted in a confusing series of actions that stopped traffic completely and triggered a multi-vehicle crash.
Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) went on Facebook to calm the public down and let them know that the situation was still unfolding. Meanwhile, Macon County Sheriff André Brunson livestreamed the chase as it happened, providing real-time updates to viewers. Even while doing the live broadcast, he said he could hardly believe the unique situation, adding, “It’s something I didn’t believe it.”
Traffic Disruption and Vehicle Collision
Sheila’s decision to park on the highway precipitated a huge traffic jam. Drivers were forced to slow down just to enjoy the scene. In the ensuing carnage, at least two vehicles crashed. So far, officials have not provided any information on the severity of damage or injury. Sheriff Brunson remarked that the situation is “desperate.” In New York, DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez said, “We have calmed traffic to keep her from darting out and getting hurt or hurting somebody else.”
The federal wildlife refuge has become the center of attention with the surprise armed occupation. Residents and motorists were asked to be patient as authorities were trying to safely recapture Sheila. The Macon County Sheriff’s Office was monitoring the enforcement. They ensured that traffic was kept hazardous and that Sheila wasn’t in danger, that she posed no threat to herself or others.
Capture of Sheila
After a long chase, Sheila was finally sedated by her warden, who had shown up on the ground to help. Brunson kept giving behind-the-scenes updates over the course of the livestream, saying that they had been “chasing Sheila for a long time.” The video footage showed Sheila being carried to an SUV following her capture, highlighting the unique circumstances of the event.
How exactly Sheila ended up on Interstate 85 is still a mystery. The event has captured imagination and provided humor to area residents and Twitter users. ALEA’s Facebook post advertising the event received hundreds of positive reactions and comments online, highlighting an often comical element to crime-fighting woes.
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