Massive tortoise found strolling suburb reunited with family

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Sunday, August 3, 2014
A 150-pound tortoise found in Alhambra on Saturday, Aug. 2, 2014 is shown.
A 150-pound tortoise found in Alhambra on Saturday, Aug. 2, 2014 is shown.
kabc-Alhambra Police Department

ALHAMBRA, Calif. -- Police say a massive tortoise that was found strolling the streets of Southern California suburb has been reunited with its human family.

The 150-pound tortoise, named "Dirk," was sighted roaming the southeast part of the town of Alhambra near Valley and Atlantic boulevards around 1 p.m. Saturday.

It took two officers to apprehend the animal, according to a Facebook post by the Alhambra Police Department.

"Almost had a pursuit!" the department wrote.

This Aug. 2, 2014 photo shows a giant 150-pound tortoise who was found wandering the streets of Alhambra, Calif. (AP Photo/Alhambra Police Department)

The tortoise was lifted into a patrol car and taken to the station, where it was later picked up by Los Angeles County Animal Care and Control in Downey.

According to the police department, it's illegal to possess the large tortoise, but an exception was made.

"We enjoy keeping families together, so an exception was made in this case. Thank you Alhambra partners and FB friends! Until next time...Don't ignore it. Report it!" the department wrote on its Facebook page Sunday morning.