Video shows runaway Chihuahua causing chaos as it races down freeway in New York

Around 20 drivers blocked the road to help save the spooked Chihuahua, named Bean
Lydia Chantler-Hicks13 December 2023

A tiny Chihuahua wreaked havoc on a major freeway in New York after escaping and running down the four-lane carriageway.

Video captured the moment drivers frantically tried to capture the dog, named Bean, after spotting him running down the Staten Island Expressway late last Tuesday.

The now-viral dashcam footage shows cars slowing down to a crawl with their hazard warning lights flashing, before one driver pulled over and gave chase on foot.

“When I saw that dog, my instincts just kicked in, and the only thing on my mind was to make sure that dog got to safety,” driver Katie Marie, whose dashcam captured the rescue mission, told the Staten Island Advance.

“We just kept trying to keep the dog in the [high-occupancy vehicle] lane, trying to tire him out.

“When I looked up, I saw over 20 cars that were all helping, which was extremely wholesome to see how Staten Islanders come together as a community on a busy highway to help one dog with an aimless destination.”

Driver Ella Wolskawoja eventually jumped out of her car pursued Bean on foot for some distance along the road, as he evaded her clutches.

"I jumped out and chased. I didn't expect that dog could be so fast," she told US news outlet ABC.

Bean is safely back home, with owner Tammy Richardson

Bean's escapade ended happily, as driver Kaitlyn McGinley eventually managed to scoop him up in a blanket and place him in a bag, amid applause.

Ms McGinley, said she had spotted Ms Wolskawoja "running on the highway" before pulling over to help.

"The dog ran under my car and hid under my tyre," she told ABC. "Someone gave me a bag, and I scooped him up and put him in the car."

Photos later showed Bean safely back at home, reunited with owner Tammy Richardson.

Ms Richardson told ABC Bean had escaped his home after being scared by another dog.

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