Llamageddon! Runaway llama causes chaos by sending bemused cops on wild goose chase in Virginia

A runaway llama sent cops on a wild goose chase through the backyards of a community in Fairfax - and the drama was captured on camera.  

Cops in Fairfax had to resort to using thermal cameras to track down and give chase to the drama llama after reports of the animal roaming around a residential area on December 18 were received. 

Video footage from up high shows the animal wandering around a grassy area late at night, prompting officers and Animal Protection police to leap into action and capture the animal. 

But the animal had other ideas. Body cameras worn by the officers and the thermal imaging camera show them giving chase as the llama repeatedly escapes their grasp. 

Several officers and members of the Animal Protection Police had to be called out in order to capture the animal 

Officers were finally able to capture the animal as shown in body camera footage 

The llama clearly shows up on thermal imaging wandering around a grassy area in a residential area 

The camera shows officers giving chase to the animal as it speeds away trying to evade capture

Finally, officers were able to capture the llama and load it into a large vehicle to be transported to a nearby animal shelter. 

Fairfax County Police Department shared a post on their Facebook page, documenting the incident.  

'Llama drama! Our officers are prepared for anything,' the post read. 'That doesn't mean we're still not surprised when we get a unique call for service.

'Always ready to give chase when a suspect flees, our officers and animal protection police (APP) encountered a nimble, furry suspect Sunday night.

'A passerby saw a llama out for a jog on the Fairfax County Pkwy near Popes Head Road.

Footage shows the moment an office nearly captures the llama by putting a rope around its body, but it quickly breaks free and runs away 

The llama was captured and put into a trailer which transported it to an animal shelter 

'After eluding our officers, the llama was found in a backyard and safely taken secured by APP. 

'A trailer was brought to safely transport the llama to the animal shelter.'

It's not clear how the llama came to be in the area.  

Llamas can be quite quick and nimble when necessary, reaching speeds of up to 35mph when running. In rare cases, they can reach speeds of up to 40mph. 

They are very sociable creatures and prefer to live in a herd and though they are known for spitting, they only do this when they are angered or frightened.