Police in Milton–Edgewood arrested a suspect after reports of a person harassing a nesting goose outside a bank.
MILTON, Wash. — Police in the Milton–Edgewood area are asking the public to respect wildlife after a series of disturbing incidents involving a nesting goose outside a local bank led to an arrest last week.
Police say the goose, described as a mother guarding her eggs near Key Bank in Milton, has been repeatedly harassed while attempting to nest. Authorities emphasized the importance of leaving the animal undisturbed during this critical period.
The situation escalated on April 8, when a suspect was reportedly seen picking up the goose. Police responded to the scene but were unable to locate the individual at that time.
The following morning, April 9 at approximately 8:12 a.m., the suspect returned. Witnesses reported that he struck the goose with a metal sign that had been placed in the area specifically to warn people to leave the animal alone. A bank employee observed the incident and contacted police, but once again, the suspect left before officers arrived.
Later that day, the individual was spotted at a nearby coffee shop making lewd gestures toward a security camera. Police were called and began searching the area. Officers eventually located the suspect near Camp Edgewood, where he was taken into custody without further incident.
Police are reminding the community that interfering with wildlife, particularly nesting animals, can cause serious harm and may result in criminal charges. They also noted that the nesting area is under camera surveillance.
“Be kind and give wildlife the space they need,” officials said. “This goose is simply trying to protect her eggs.”