JACKSONVILLE, Ark. — Arkansas State Police (ASP) Director and Cabinet Secretary Col. Mike Hagar has publicly defended a state trooper’s actions following an incident involving geese and goslings on Interstate 57 that generated significant public attention after dashcam footage circulated online.
The incident occurred Sunday morning near East Republican Road in Jacksonville, Arkansas, after a trooper was dispatched to Interstate 57 following reports of two adult geese and their goslings attempting to cross the highway.
According to the Arkansas State Police incident report and dashcam footage, vehicles were observed maneuvering to avoid the birds as they moved across traffic lanes.
Trooper Attempts to Remove Geese from Interstate
The dashcam video, which lasts more than 17 minutes, shows the responding trooper attempting to guide the geese away from the roadway using his patrol vehicle while traveling along the interstate shoulder.
During the incident, the trooper contacted the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) seeking guidance.
According to audio captured on the recording, the trooper asked a game warden:
“I’m trying to keep someone from wrecking. Do you have any suggestions?”
The warden reportedly responded that there was no practical way to catch the geese and noted that an AGFC officer arriving on scene would likely take similar actions.
The recorded exchange included discussion about the risks posed by wildlife on a high-speed interstate.
According to the audio:
Throughout the video, the geese are seen repeatedly crossing traffic lanes and moving behind the patrol vehicle, requiring the trooper to reposition several times.
As the recording progresses, the goslings and one adult goose are no longer visible. The remaining adult goose is later observed flying away near the conclusion of the video.
CLICK HERE to get your copy of
Public Reaction Follows Online Release of Video
Following publication of video clips online, numerous social media users criticized the incident and questioned the trooper’s actions.
In response to the public reaction, Col. Mike Hagar released a lengthy statement through his personal Facebook account explaining the agency’s position and emphasizing concerns about motorist safety.
According to Hagar, the trooper spent approximately 26 minutes attempting to move the birds off the interstate.
Hagar stated that:
Hagar further stated that protecting human life on a high-speed interstate was the primary consideration during the response.
Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Responds
Arkansas Game and Fish Commission spokesperson Randy Zeller confirmed that the agency had been contacted regarding the geese.
According to Zeller, wildlife officers were conducting Memorial Day weekend boating patrols when the request was received.
Zeller stated:
“Wardens were on the water, patrolling for safe boating during Memorial Day Weekend when the call came in. By the time they had gotten to shore and loaded their boat, the incident had already occurred.”
Zeller also stated:
“There is no evidence of malicious intent.”
Hagar References Prior Fatal Interstate Crash
In his public statement, Hagar cited a fatal 2017 crash on Interstate 40 near Mayflower, Arkansas, as an example of the dangers associated with unexpected traffic slowdowns on interstate highways.
According to Hagar, three generations of a family were killed after traffic slowed unexpectedly and their vehicle was struck from behind by another vehicle traveling at interstate speeds.
Hagar stated that experiences from similar crashes influence how law enforcement evaluates roadway hazards, including incidents involving wildlife on high-speed roadways.
He further encouraged motorists not to swerve to avoid animals if doing so would create a greater risk of a serious collision.
Safety Considerations Raised During Incident
The incident has generated discussion regarding the balance between wildlife protection and public roadway safety.
According to statements made by Arkansas State Police and Arkansas Game and Fish Commission representatives:
Current Status
At this time:
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did the incident occur?
The incident occurred on Interstate 57 near East Republican Road in Jacksonville, Arkansas.
How long did the trooper attempt to remove the geese?
According to Arkansas State Police Director Col. Mike Hagar, the trooper spent approximately 26 minutes attempting to move the birds off the interstate.
Was Arkansas Game and Fish contacted?
Yes. Audio from the dashcam recording and statements from AGFC confirm the agency was contacted during the incident.
What did Arkansas Game and Fish say afterward?
AGFC spokesperson Randy Zeller stated that wardens were unavailable due to Memorial Day weekend boating patrol duties and said there was “no evidence of malicious intent.”
Has Arkansas State Police announced any disciplinary action?
As of this publication, no disciplinary action has been publicly announced.
🚔 Submit Incidents for Review — Cop Talk LIVE
If you were involved in a police incident, traffic stop, use-of-force encounter, internal complaint, or critical incident, submit your case at https://coptalklive.org/cop-talk-live-law-enforcement-advocacy-review-council/
Cop Talk LIVE accepts viewer submissions for:
• Critical Incident Breakdown
• Tactical Analysis
• Viewer Submission Review
• Insider Discussions
👉 Become a Cop Talk LIVE Member Today:
https://www.patreon.com/c/coptalklive/membership
About The Author
Discover more from Cop Talk LIVE
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
