Police recover goat taken during foiled 'kidnapping'

May 5 (UPI) -- Police in Minnesota helped recover a goat that was the target of a "kidnapping" attempt early Friday.

St. Paul Police Department shared a photo of officers posing with the goat that was recovered form the foiled theft attempt after police attempted to chase down an erratic driver.

"Officers were on patrol in Indian Mounds Regional Park at about 1 a.m. when their squad was almost hit by a white GMC Yukon Denali," the department said. "The Yukon was traveling at a high rate of speed and had just blown through a stop sign at the intersection of Earl Street and Mounds Boulevard."

The officers sought to stop the vehicle, which had several passengers, including the goat, but the driver attempted to evade police, prompting a pursuit.

After a brief chase, the driver lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a parked car in a residential driveway.

Four passengers attempted to flee the vehicle and two were ultimately apprehended by police, who soon discovered the stolen goat.

"After taking the suspects into custody, officers discovered a goat lying in the cargo area of the Yukon," police said. "The goat, whose name is 'Gordy,' appeared unharmed."

Gordy was eventually taken back to nearby Mounds Park, where it was part of a group of about 30 goats assembled by Saint Paul Parks and Recreation to dispel unwanted vegetation.