1 hour ago
3
A runaway bull brought a California highway to a standstill for hours — until cops called in a seasoned cowboy to wrangle the beast.
The large bovine went rogue Tuesday night along Highway 35 in San Mateo County, forcing California Highway Patrol officers to deal with a dangerous moving traffic hazard as it tore along the roadway for several miles.
The bull’s highway joyride created a serious danger for motorists and first responders, according to the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office.
Sheriff’s deputies were called in to help CHP officers corral the wild bull, but after repeated attempts to rope it in came up empty, authorities realized they needed some old-fashioned cowboy know-how.
Enter Samuel Ramos Palomino.
The Sea Horse Ranch foreman got the call shortly after midnight while he was sleeping — and despite having to report for work just a few hours later, the veteran animal handler didn’t hesitate.
Palomino, who has 35 years of experience wrangling large animals, jumped out of bed, loaded up his truck and livestock trailer and headed into the night to help bring the renegade bull to heel.
“What followed was no easy task. Samuel worked alongside Sheriff’s Office deputies and CHP officers as they followed the bull for several miles, making repeated attempts to lasso it,” the department’s post read.
“Eventually, the team secured the bull, and Samuel used his expertise to safely load it into his trailer. “
“He went one step further, providing a secure location for the bull until it could be returned home at daybreak,” it added.
The department said by the time the whole situation was resolved, Samuel had little more than 90 minutes before it was time for him to get up and go to work.
Images on the post showed officers not only trying to wrangle the bold bovine but also what happened after the good samaritan showed up and took care of the wandering animal.
The office said the good samaritan cowboy likely not only prevented a serious crash or collision on the highway, but “protected nearby community members, first responders and the bull.”
For his good deeds, the Coastside Patrol Bureau Captain Allen and Half Moon Bay City Manager on Wednesday met with Palomino to express their gratitude.
“Public safety is a partnership, and sometimes our community members answer the call in extraordinary ways,” the office said.
“Samuel, thank you for answering ours. Your skill, courage, and willingness to help made the Coastside a safer place that night.”
It is unclear from the post who the animal belonged to or how he got loose in the first place.
English (US)