Overview
- The St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office released the footage to Facebook on Jan. 14, propelling the lighthearted clip to national attention.
- Cpl. Thomas Keisler responded to reports of a loose emu on County Road 13 west of St. Augustine around 10:30 a.m. on Jan. 9.
- Bodycam audio captures Keisler using a makeshift lasso before handcuffing the bird’s legs to neutralize its talons.
- The sheriff’s office said the emu ignored commands, kicked several times, fled on foot, and was later detained without injury.
- Officials reported the emu was reunited with its owner, noted “all criminal charges” were dropped, and highlighted that emu ownership in Florida is legal under specific FWC and federal APHIS rules.