Prom crasher goes nuts as syracuse cops take squirrel into custody

Prom crasher goes nuts as Syracuse cops take squirrel into custody

A furry gatecrasher attached itself to a prom guest before officers stepped in and made an unusual removal

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — A prom night in Syracuse took an unexpected turn when officers responding to a report of a suspicious individual discovered the suspect was a squirrel that had latched onto a guest and refused to leave.

The Syracuse Police Department shared the unusual encounter after officers assigned to prom detail in Franklin Square were called to investigate reports of a suspicious individual.

When Officer Ponticello and Officer Duester arrived, they located the suspect, which police later identified as a squirrel.

According to the department, the squirrel had attached itself to a prom guest and remained at the scene.

Police said the animal immediately surrendered and calmly walked into officers’ hands without incident.

No injuries were reported.

The squirrel was safely relocated, allowing prom activities to continue uninterrupted.

The department jokingly noted that no charges have been filed against the furry suspect.

Photos released by police showed officers holding the squirrel following the encounter.


Key Points

  • Syracuse officers responding to a prom detail encountered a squirrel attached to a guest.
  • Police said the squirrel surrendered without incident.
  • The animal was safely relocated and prom festivities continued.

Chris Quigley

Chris Quigley is a Staff Writer and Community News Correspondent for Shore News Network, where she covers local government, public safety, community affairs, politics, and issues impacting residents throughout New Jersey. Her reporting focuses on delivering timely, accurate, and relevant news that helps readers stay informed about the communities in which they live and work.

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Through her work at Shore News Network, Chris Quigley contributes to the organization's mission of providing trusted local news coverage, accountability reporting, and community-focused journalism throughout New Jersey.

Chris Quigley is a graduate of Stockton State University and began her career at IN Jersey, the online news and media branch of the Asbury Park Press. She also worked at Monmouth Internet, the Ocean Signal Newspaper, and JTOWN Magazine during her career in both content management and operations.

Degrees: Business B.A. - Stockton University

Experience and interests: Criminal Justice, Business, Animal Care, Entertainment, Lottery News, Local News