Hinesville Police Capture Escaped Tortoise After Sunday Adventure

The large reptile made a surprising escape before being returned to its enclosure.

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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The Hinesville Police Department in Georgia had an unusual call on their hands on Sunday when a local resident's tortoise escaped its enclosure and made a surprising distance before being tracked down and returned by officers. The police department shared the humorous details of the incident on social media, noting the 'unexpected workout' required to capture and secure the 'very large, very determined, and ridiculously heavy' reptile.

Why it matters

While an escaped pet tortoise may seem like a lighthearted story, it highlights the importance of proper animal enclosures and the role local law enforcement can play in responding to unusual situations that impact public safety, even if they involve non-threatening animals.

The details

According to the Hinesville Police Department's social media post, the tortoise managed to escape its enclosure on Sunday and made it a surprising distance before area residents noticed the 'great escape' and called 911. Officers were then able to 'load up the very large, very determined, and ridiculously heavy' tortoise and return it safely to its enclosure, making sure the gate was secured to prevent any future escapes.

  • The tortoise escaped its enclosure on Sunday, March 8, 2026.
  • Police were called and responded to the incident on the same day, Sunday, March 8, 2026.

The players

Hinesville Police Department

The local law enforcement agency in Hinesville, Georgia that responded to the call about the escaped tortoise and was able to capture and return the animal to its enclosure.

Bradwell's resident tortoise

A large, determined tortoise that escaped its enclosure in Hinesville, Georgia on Sunday, March 8, 2026, prompting a response from the local police department.

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What they’re saying

“A little Sunday humor for everyone: Earlier today, Bradwell's resident tortoise decided that with the nice weather it was the perfect day to stage an escape from its enclosure. The adventurous reptile made it a surprising distance before area residents witnessed the great escape and called 911.”

— Hinesville Police Department (Hinesville Police Department social media post)

“With a little teamwork (and a lot of muscle ), D-Watch officers managed to load up the very large, very determined, and ridiculously heavy 'dinosaur' and return him safely to his enclosure.”

— Hinesville Police Department (Hinesville Police Department social media post)

“We made sure the gate was secured so our shelled escape artist wouldn't be making another run for it anytime soon... and thanked him for the unexpected workout.”

— Hinesville Police Department (Hinesville Police Department social media post)

The takeaway

This lighthearted incident serves as a reminder that even local law enforcement must be prepared to respond to unusual situations, including escaped pets, in order to ensure public safety. The Hinesville Police Department's quick action and sense of humor in handling the tortoise's adventure highlight their commitment to serving the community.