Clever Teens in Bird Costumes Lead Police on Slow-Speed Chase on Safeway Mobility Scooters

Source: AI depiction of event based on Orinda Police press release. Species of birds not based on realistic proportions or plumage.

Orinda, CA – In a bizarre turn of events, a pair of teenagers dressed in bird costumes led the local police on a slow-speed chase through multiple parking lots, ending up on the main lawn of Orinda Community Park—all while aboard stolen Safeway scooters.

The incident, which unfolded over the weekend, showcased tactics that indicated significant planning by the teens. Officer Jennifer Hartley reported that the pair expertly navigated the scooters in separate and opposite directions, significantly complicating the police's efforts to pursue them with only one patrol car initially on the scene. "It was almost like a choreographed dance," Hartley remarked. "Every time we thought we had a clear path to pursue one, the other would dart off in a completely different direction."

Compounding the complexity of the pursuit, the teens were disguised in elaborate bird costumes—one resembling an emu and the other, possibly a kiwi. "Their choice of costumes seemed to play into their strategy," explained Hartley. "It seemed like they knew ahead of time that we're not trained in bird identification, which added a layer of confusion when trying to communicate what we were seeing. We had plans to partner with the Audubon Society for training, but budget cuts pushed that out until 2025," Hartley added.

As officers struggled over the radio to describe the suspects, a so-called "fog of war" ensued. This confusion led to delays and ultimately allowed the teens to abandon the scooters and escape on foot, leaving behind only a few feathers on the park lawn.

The difficulty in identifying the bird species from the costumes and feathers means that even if suspects are apprehended wearing similar outfits, linking them definitively to the incident could prove challenging legally. "Without a clear ability to match the feathers or costumes directly to a bird species or to the teens, prosecution could be difficult," stated a legal advisor to the police department.

The stolen scooters were recovered undamaged and returned to Safeway, where management expressed their gratitude towards the Orinda police for their efforts in retrieving the property. "We're just glad to have the scooters back," said a Safeway manager.

The local community has been captivated by the potential drama of the chase. "It's too bad we don't have a helicopter. I would have loved to watch it on my television," stated local resident Gladis Johnson. Some community members have suggested that the police stage a reenactment, including costumes, to gain additional insights and provide the community an opportunity to see the police in action during one of the most dramatic events of the year