Holly MatkinTonopah, AZ – A lawbreaking goat wreaked havoc on Tonopah residents late last week before getting into a scuffle with Maricopa County deputies.
The four-legged lawbreaker – identified only as “Billy” – terrorized local residents for several hours on Sept. 9 before deputies were called to the scene to help end his lawless rampage, the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) said in a Facebook post on Tuesday.
The sheriff’s office released mugshots of the suspect, as well as a still photo taken from a bodycam video that showed him attempting to flee from deputies.
“Meet Billy, he’s a goat,” the MCSO said. “A few days ago, Billy terrorized some residents in Tonopah for a few hours, damaging their garage door, an electrical cord and chasing one of the residents around a car.”
The deputies managed to track the culprit down and took him into custody, but Billy’s alleged noncompliance continued.
“Deputies from District 2 were able to take Billy into custody, at which point he assaulted one of our deputies by urinating on them,” the MCSO said.
The quick-thinking deputies were able to retrieve “special handcuffs” to help subdue the unruly suspect, who was subsequently restrained and turned over to Livestock Control, according to the sheriff’s office.
Billy is now facing charges of disorderly conduct, assault, trespassing, and criminal damage as the result of his crime spree.
More than 100 people chimed in on Billy’s arrest in response to the MCSO’s Facebook post, with several calling for his immediate release.
“Free Billy! He was framed,” one person wrote. “Free him immediately! He is literally the GOAT…”
Others commended the MCSO deputies for protecting the community from the four-legged criminal.
“Good job Ladies, we are a whole lot safer now with Billy the kid off the streets!” one message read. “You are awesome and we appreciate your service!”
