Article courtesy of the Highlands Police Department
Photos by Brian O’Shea, Plateau Daily News
Highlands Police Department responded to a peculiar incident over the weekend when a monkey, belonging to a visitor to the Highlands area, escaped from his harness and bit a pedestrian on the leg in the area of Lower Lake Road on April 21 at approx. 6:30 p.m.
Statements from the victim/witnesses said the bite victim was walking by the area when the monkey ran up behind them, jumped up and bit the victim in the back of the leg, then ran into the woods. It is unknown what the time frame was from when the monkey escaped to when the bite occurred.
When officers and medical personnel arrived at the scene, the bite victim was provided with first aid. Medics from Macon County EMS assessed the wound before releasing the patient who advised they would visit the Hospital for further treatment.
HPD Detective Tim Broughton said according to statements, the bite victim was not attempting to interact with the monkey.
Officers spoke with the monkey’s handler who told them that the monkey had slipped from his harness and was currently loose in the woods. The monkey’s handler was able to use some food provided by one of the officers to encourage the monkey to return and safely capture it without further incident.
An HPD Officer and the monkey’s handler shortly after catching him along Lower Lake Road.
Macon County Animal Control responded to the scene to help investigate the incident and ensure public safety. No charges have been filed at this time, but the investigation is still underway.
“At the time of the incident the monkey was not seized by animal control and was released to the handler,” said Broughton. “The handler’s contact information was recorded so they can be in touch regarding any further action.”
Highlands Police Department would like to thank Macon County EMS and Macon County Animal Control for their assistance in this matter. We would also like to thank our community for their continued support.
Pictured at the top of the article is the monkey who escaped from his harness and bit a passing pedestrian along Lower Lake Road.