In a dramatic turn of events, the elusive monkey known as “Momo” has been safely captured by authorities in Indianapolis after making a daring escape on Wednesday, reported IndyStar. The incident had the city on edge as residents and law enforcement officials worked tirelessly to locate and secure the primate.
The escape was first reported on Wednesday evening when the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department received several calls regarding a monkey that had escaped from a residence on the city’s east side around 6:38 p.m local time. Authorities immediately sprang into action, launching a search operation to track down the elusive Momo.
Initial reports indicated that Momo was last seen near the 500 block of Ironridge Court, south of East Washington Street and South Mitthoefer Road. However, the monkey managed to evade capture initially, leading to an intense search effort throughout the night.
On Thursday morning, there was a breakthrough in the search when IMPD received a sighting report of Momo in the 10000 block of Gate Drive, about a quarter mile away from where he had escaped. Authorities, including officers and staff from the Indianapolis Zoo, intensified their efforts to safely locate and capture the monkey.
As of Thursday morning, IMPD had not provided any updates on the search and referred inquiries to Indianapolis Animal Care Services. The situation remained tense as there were reports of minor injuries potentially caused by the monkey. However, police could not confirm if anyone had been bitten and strongly cautioned the public against approaching the animal.
The owner of Momo, who had experienced a previous escape incident in July, reached out for assistance through a local lost-and-found pets Facebook group. In the post, the owner shared heartwarming photos of Momo wearing a Christmas sweater and a video of the monkey carrying a stuffed animal.
The dramatic capture of Momo unfolded as the monkey was spotted running down a street, eventually seeking refuge in some trees after being startled by a barking dog. Authorities, with the help of Momo’s owner, managed to coax the monkey down, and an officer with a large net secured the primate.
Momo, identified as a patas monkey, is known to be one of the fastest monkeys on the planet, capable of reaching speeds of up to 35 miles per hour, according to the New England Primate Conservatory. Typically found in Africa, this type of monkey had brought a touch of the wild to Indianapolis, leaving residents with memorable encounters.
One resident, Bonnie Wright, recounted a tense encounter with Momo when the monkey ran up to her garage, pinning her against the door. She managed to fend off the primate and sought refuge in her house.
With Momo’s capture, the city of Indianapolis can breathe a sigh of relief, knowing that this wild escapade has come to a safe conclusion. Authorities expressed their gratitude to the community for their assistance and are relieved that the “monkey business” is now behind them.