CHP Officers Temporarily Care for Parrot During DUI Arrest

California Highway Patrol officers briefly took custody of a parrot when they arrested its owner on suspicion of driving under the influence along Interstate 5 near Yreka. Night Sgt. Greg Perkins pulled over the vehicle in the early hours of Jan. 20, and the motorist was detained, leaving the feathered passenger unattended until officers could secure it.

Sgt. Randy Tharp of the Yreka CHP described the arrest as necessary: "It's a serious crime," but he noted that no one was hurt in the incident. Under the circumstances, Perkins kept the parrot while the driver was held. As Tharp explained, when you are arrested you are "incarcerated until you're sober," so officers arranged temporary care for the bird while its owner slept at the station. The driver did not resist arrest, and neither did the bird.

Officers found the parrot cooperative and personable, though it showed signs of stress overnight. "The parrot was very personable," Tharp said, but it was later listless and "depressed until its owner came to pick it up." The bird was checked and found to be in good health and did not bite staff, and man and parrot left the CHP office peacefully once the owner was released.

This case highlights a recurring practical issue for people who travel with companion birds: who will care for a pet if an owner is detained or incapacitated. Tharp emphasized that handling animals in these situations is part of the job. "I’ve seen more wild animals on this job than a zoo," he said, recounting experiences from years on the road and at the Red Bluff CHP office. The Yreka station has handled a variety of pets, from "lots of rodents ... hamsters and guinea pigs" to larger or exotic animals. In 2025, officers cared for a python and a tarantula and relied on a local animal rescuer for species that required specialized handling. Tharp noted that dogs in custody situations are typically turned over to animal control, where trained caregivers can manage their needs.

Residents reacted warmly and with humor after the Yreka CHP posted a photo of Perkins holding the parrot on social media. Comments ranged from curiosity about whether the bird talked to playful jabs such as "Is that job for the birds" and "Did someone give you the bird." Others asked if the parrot itself had been affected by the incident.

For parrot owners, the takeaway is practical: plan for contingencies when traveling. Make sure travel arrangements include contact information and a designated caregiver, and ensure your bird is transport-ready so agencies that step in can provide safe, short-term care. This episode reinforces the CHP's message that highway responders aim to serve not just motorists but their four-legged - and feathered - companions as well.