Kangaroo That Led Cops on Chase Dies

The case of a 200-pound, 5-foot kangaroo that led local law enforcement officials on a chase in East Pasco County earlier in the month has taken a few more unusual turns.  

The creature’s owner has been charged with a crime and the kangaroo has passed away.

"The Pasco Sheriff’s Office is saddened to hear the death of the kangaroo,” wrote Doug Tobin, sheriff’s office spokesman, in an email to media late Friday night, June 7. “Until an official necropsy and cause if death can be determined it is a little premature to comment on what may have led to its death.”

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has also charged the kangaroo’s owner, John Chatfield, with allowing escape of Class III wildlife, according to The Tampa Tribune. Chatfield owns the kangaroo farm where the runaway was taken after its  capture.

Chatfield had previously denied owning the fugitive.

Details about the animal’s death were not immediately available. The case, Tobin said, is being handled by the wildlife commission.

See Also:

• 'Fugitive' Kangaroo Caught in Pasco Kangaroo
• 911 Calls Released by Sheriff’s Office

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