Pequea Township officers were first called to the area of W. Boehms Road and Willow Street Pike South around 11 a.m. after reports of the 1,000-pound animal wandering the divided highway, according to police.
Despite the farmer's earlier attempts to tranquilize the steer, it remained highly evasive, sprinting whenever anyone came within 100 feet. Officers quickly arrived to control traffic and prevent any accidents as the steer crossed Route 272 North and South multiple times, running through neighborhoods and posing a direct threat to people nearby.
"Officers worked to control traffic in the area to keep motorists safe," the release stated. With the animal darting across busy roads and into residential areas, concerns grew for the safety of residents and drivers.
The chase spanned roughly 3.5 miles over two hours before the steer finally reached a secluded area where police, assisted by West Lampeter Township Police and local citizens, determined it was safest to euthanize the animal, ending the pursuit without further incident.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Millersville-Conestoga and receive free news updates.