For a brief Sunday, the “C” in CHP stood for Chihuahua, who leads police. That’s because a black dog led what police describe as a high-speed pursuit over the Bay Bridge between San Francisco and Oakland before being placed in official custody.

download 1 4
Chihuahua Leads Police

The dog’s only identifying tag — black, with a silver human skull. It cemented his status as a hardcore animal who’s not wowed by authority. His flight from the law was captured on a dashboard camera. And it posts on social media in what quickly became a well-liked video.

It took at least three units — two officers on motorcycles and one in a car — to corral the animal. Which had been streaking its way toward San Francisco.

Police issued a call for help finding the dog’s owner, asking on Facebook, “Missing a Chihuahua?”

At one point in the chase, the dog appeared to toy with his pursuers, stopping to face an officer on a motorcycle — who then started to dismount from his machine — before tearing off again.

Get the latest Chihuahua Buzz

Subscribe to our newsletter and be the first to read Chihuahua heartwarming stories, expert tips, and cute images of these lovely pups.

The Associated Press adds, “After it captured it, it took the Chihuahua to a San Francisco animal shelter where staff members named it Ponch after the CHP Officer Frank Poncherello played by Erik Estrada in the TV series CHiPs.”

On Monday, San Francisco Animal Care and Control officials sent an update on Ponch, saying he’s doing well, “but he would love to see his family.”

Actor Erik Estrada retweeted that message, much like he did after seeing an earlier tweet about the Chihuahua’s escapade.

Ponch is doing well this morning

@CHPSanFrancisco

@ErikEstrada, but he would love to see his family. #BayBridgeDog

You May Also Like

Why Are Chihuahuas So Aggressive? An In-Depth Exploration

When I was ready to adopt a dog from a shelter I…

Meet Pearl – The Shortest Dog: A 3.59 Inch Chihuahua

Meet Pearl, a Chihuahua who has claimed the title of the shortest…

Senior Chihuahua’s Heartwarming Couch Cuddles with Owner

Experience the heartwarming connection between an elderly Chihuahua named Rocky and his…

A Sweet Tale of Transformation for a Malnourished Chihuahua

Rescuing a life is always heartfelt, touching, and in the case of…