A flying fish that dropped out of the sky is believed to have caused a massive blackout in a New Jersey neighbourhood when it connected with a powerline.
Police believe the culprit was an osprey – a bird of prey that feeds on fish – who lost its lunch while flying over Sayreville, New Jersey.
The unlucky fish hit a power transformer which fried it, knocking out power to at least some of the town’s 2,100 residents.
Despite the inconvenience for residents, police made light of the situation in a hilarious Facebook post.
“Today’s power outage was a major inconvenience for so many of our residents. Please let us not forget the victim in this senseless death,” Sayreville police wrote.
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The department added: “Gilligan [the fish] was a hard-working family man. He was a father to thousands of children.
“The suspect was last seen flying South. If you see him do not try to apprehend him. Although he isn’t believed to be armed he may still be very dangerous.”
It then referred anyone with tips to contact Detective John Silver who “handles all of our fish cases”.
Police also posted a sketch of the “suspect”: an osprey that is believed to have dropped the fish.
Residents were in stitches after police shared the tongue-in-cheek post.
“Thank you, SPD for sharing such a great sense of humor. You made my day,” one wrote.
One said: “Best news release I have read in ages.” While another added: “I love our police department.”
Ospreys are large birds of prey – or raptors – that primarily dine on fish, although they will prey on other animals in rare cases.
The birds can grow up to 71 inches in wingspan and have a worldwide range. They are found on every continent except Antarctica.
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