Why did the chicken cross the Olive Garden parking lot? To evade police pursuit

AUGUSTA — Chicken, chicken, who’s got the chicken?

After some strategic chicken wrangling Sunday afternoon, the Augusta Police do.

The department, in a tongue-and-cheek post on its Facebook page, reported:

“Officers responded to the parking lot of the Olive Garden in Augusta for a report of a wayward chicken with a craving for soup, salad and breadsticks. An epic 20-minute foot pursuit ensued, spanning an area totaling upwards of 50 feet with the beaked bandit initially having the upper hand zigging when expected to zag. As the bird headed for Interstate on-ramp and the high speeds of I-95 northbound, Augusta PD’s SNAT (Special Nets and Tactics) Team arrived on scene and apprehended the absconding bird without further incident. Anyone with knowledge of the owner or guardian of this rascal contact Augusta PD at 207-626-2370.”

On Monday, Augusta Police Sgt. Christopher Shaw said Francois Roodman, the department’s animal control officer, had been advised of the chicken situation. The bird was in the protective custody, he said.