AR-News: Cops: Lion On the Prowl in Ohio Town

[jim robertson]

Cops: Lion On the Prowl in Ohio Town

Tuesday, May 04, 2004

GAHANNA, Ohio — Police were looking Tuesday for a lion that several 
residents reported was on the prowl.


"I'm convinced it's a 300-pound to 400-pound African lion (search)," deputy 
police chief Larry Rinehart said. "We're scurrying. It's a heck of a day."

Television helicopters were hovering over the city trying to spot the big 
cat. Police contacted the Columbus Zoo (search) for advice on what to do if 
they find the animal. The Ohio Highway Patrol (search) had a helicopter on 
standby, in case it was needed.

Residents first reported seeing the animal on Monday. One police cruiser was 
stopped on a street when the animal bounded across the pavement in front of 
it.

Rinehart said he didn't know how the lion ended up in the residential areas 
on the western edge of Columbus, not far from Port Columbus International 
airport.

"That's the mystery," Rinehart said. "Whoever had it is not giving that 
information up. There are some lions that are legally owned in adjoining 
counties and they're all accounted for."

...................................


"One of the most dangerous things that can happen to a child is to kill or 
torture an animal and get away with it" —  Margaret Mead.

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