Escaped llama attacks man, police car

SHELBY, N.C., Feb. 18 (UPI) -- Authorities in North Carolina said an escaped llama injured a man and attacked a deputy's car before it was lured back into its pasture.

The Cleveland County Sheriff's Office said Ronald Griffin drove to a neighbor's house for a visit Wednesday morning and was attacked by the llama when he got out of his car, WBTV, Charlotte, N.C., reported Thursday. The animal belongs to another neighbor, Jack Lail.

"It knocked me down in the wood pile and tried to stomp on me," Griffin said.

Griffin said he was able to get back into his car and drive to his home nearby, but the llama followed him and attacked his car while he called 911.

Cleveland County Sheriff Detective Micah Sturgis arrived on the scene and the llama switched its attention to the unmarked patrol car, the sheriff's office said.

Sturgis and an animal control officer who soon arrived on the scene devised a plan to trap the llama back in its pasture. Sturgis drove his car into the pasture and the animal control officer closed the gate when the llama followed.

Authorities said it was not the first incident involving the llama, named Henry, and Lail will face a $100 fine if the animal escapes again, the report said.

Sturgis said he does not blame the animal for the incident.

"I think he got a little scared and just needed a little direction to get back home," Sturgis said. "Henry is a good pet."

Griffin was treated in a hospital for minor injuries and released.