LA PLATA, Md. — When La Plata police Cpl. B. Smith showed up to a call in the Hawthorne Green neighborhood on Sunday, it wasn’t your typical suspect causing trouble on Camden Circle. This one had feathers, webbed feet and an impressive knack for evading capture.
Residents had spotted what they believed was an injured Horned Grebe — a small, diving waterbird — hobbling across the roadway near Nicola Lane. Despite their best efforts to help the confused creature, the bird wasn’t cooperating.
Cpl. Smith, #643, arrived on the scene and spotted the grebe still strutting through the middle of Camden Circle near Gramby Court. With the poise of a seasoned wildlife wrangler, Smith approached with a blanket and gently corralled the bird without injury — or fanfare.
Animal control later confirmed that the Horned Grebe was not endangered and advised that releasing it back into a nearby neighborhood water source was the best move. That’s exactly what the officer did, ensuring the bird was back in familiar territory with a hopefully better sense of direction.
Charles County Sheriff’s Cpl. Gustafson, #584, also responded to assist and was praised along with Smith by neighbors for their care and quick action.
While it may not have been a high-speed chase or a major bust, Sunday’s rescue was a reminder that public safety sometimes comes with wings — and officers like Smith are always ready to step in.
After all, it’s not every day you see “duck wrangling” in a police job description.
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Hot cop alert! No need to call fire dept.