Overview
- The encounter occurred Jan. 9 on County Road 13 in a rural area west of St. Augustine, according to the sheriff’s office.
- Body-camera footage shows the emu kicking with its large talons before fleeing and the deputy giving chase.
- Cpl. Keisler cornered the bird, used a makeshift lasso, and handcuffed its legs to neutralize the talons.
- Deputies said the emu was returned to its owners without injury and no criminal charges were pursued.
- Keisler remarked that in 25 years he had never handcuffed an emu, and the sheriff’s office posted the video on Facebook.