Florida Deputy Rescues Tortoise Crossing Busy Roadway, Releases Him Back Into the Wild

By  //  June 24, 2019

Deputy Fontenot stated, “Gopherus was cooperative during the remainder of my encounter with him, so I chose to use discretion and let him go with a warning. In fact, our interaction was so positive, we posed for a selfie together!” (St Johns County Image)

ST JOHNS COUNTY, FLORIDA – While on routine patrol along Nocatee Parkway, Deputy L. Fontenot conducted a traffic stop on a “Florida Native” for Impeding Traffic flow.

At the time of the stop, the suspect identified as “Gopherus Genus” (exact age unknown), failed to clear the roadway when ordered to do so, opting to continue his current activity of walking along the parkway.

The deputy quickly detained Gopherus and after a heartfelt conversation regarding this risky behavior was “released on his own recognizance” in some nearby woods.

Deputy Fontenot stated, “Gopherus was cooperative during the remainder of my encounter with him, so I chose to use discretion and let him go with a warning. In fact, our interaction was so positive, we posed for a selfie together!”

CLICK HERE FOR BREVARD COUNTY NEWS