In a bizarre incident that unfolded on a quiet rural road in Texas, a man identified as Buford “Buster” Johnson, 47, led law enforcement on a low-speed pursuit while riding an ostrich. The surreal scene, captured on a dashcam, began when officers attempted to pull Johnson over for what appeared to be public intoxication and riding an uncaged, unrestrained exotic bird. Johnson, clad in denim overalls and a straw cowboy hat, was observed casually sipping from a bottle as he navigated the large flightless bird down the centerline of County Road 34. The event quickly escalated from a routine traffic stop into an extraordinary display of human-animal interaction and an unexpected test of police protocol in handling highly unusual situations. Witnesses reported seeing Johnson engage in animated conversation with his ostrich, later identified as “Kevin,” as police cruisers slowly followed behind, lights flashing, sirens chirping in a somewhat bewildered attempt to gain his compliance.
The pursuit, if it could be called that, lasted for approximately two miles at an average speed of 15 mph. Officers initially tried to box Johnson and Kevin in, but the ostrich’s unpredictable weaving motions made it difficult to execute safely. “We’ve got protocols for cars, motorcycles, even ATVs,” stated Sheriff Thompson at a press conference, “but an ostrich? That was a new one for us.” During the chase, Johnson reportedly shouted philosophical musings about “true freedom” and the “spirit of the open road,” much to the bewilderment of the pursuing officers.
, the chase took an unexpected turn when Kevin, perhaps sensing the rising tension, suddenly veered off the road and bolted into an open field. Johnson, momentarily surprised but still astride the bird, continued his “escape” across the prairie, forcing officers to abandon their vehicles and continue on foot. This unexpected off-road maneuver added another layer of complexity to an already unusual situation, as the officers found themselves struggling to keep pace with the agile avian.
. The pursuit eventually ended not with a dramatic takedown, but with Johnson dismounting Kevin near a watering hole. He then proceeded to attempt to offer the officers a sip from his bottle, stating, “Ain’t no need for all this fuss, boys. Kevin and I were just enjoying the evening.” Officers, after a brief standoff and some careful negotiation, finally convinced Johnson to comply.
Upon questioning, Johnson revealed that Kevin was his emotional support animal, a claim that raised eyebrows and immediate skepticism from authorities. He explained that he and Kevin regularly went on “evening strolls” and that the bottle contained “medicinal tonic” for his “nerves.” The officers, while maintaining professional composure, struggled to suppress their amusement at the situation unfolding before them.
Eventually, animal control was called to safely secure Kevin, who surprisingly cooperated without resistance. Johnson was taken into custody on charges of public intoxication, disorderly conduct, and several citations related to the unsafe handling and transportation of exotic animals. He was later released on bail, reportedly lamenting the separation from his feathered companion.
The “Ostrich Man” incident, as it’s been dubbed by local media, quickly went viral, sparking a wave of memes and discussions online about rural eccentricity, animal rights, and the often-unpredictable nature of police work. While humorous, the event also highlighted the importance of clear regulations regarding exotic animal ownership and public safety. Sheriff Thompson concluded his press conference by stating, “We’ve seen a lot in this county, but a man on an ostrich leading a chase? That’s one for the history books.” Johnson’s court date is pending, and the fate of Kevin remains uncertain, though local sanctuaries have offered their assistance.
