Four Mischievous Ducks ‘Arrested’ for Loitering in New Milford
The Fourth of July usually keeps police in New Milford, Pennsylvania busy with crowds, fireworks, and noise complaints, but in 2017 it also brought a call about ducks.
On the evening of July 4, four ducks wandered nearly a mile from home and settled outside a Pump and Pantry gas station in Susquehanna County. They lingered in the parking lot, unfazed by cars or customers, until employees realized the birds had no intention of leaving and called police about the unexpected visitors.
Taken Into “Custody”
Officers from the Great Bend Police Department arrived to find all four ducks calmly occupying the area. The situation never escalated, but it did take on a humorous turn.
Officers gently loaded the ducks into a patrol vehicle and leaned into the humor of the situation, treating them like cooperative suspects. They staged a mock booking and even pretended to take prints of the birds’ webbed feet. Photos from the moment were later shared on the department’s Facebook page, where they quickly drew attention. No citations were issued, and the ducks were returned without incident.
A Short Crime Spree, A Quick Reunion
Image via Wikimedia Commons/Tomas Castelazo
The ducks belonged to Cindy Osiecki, who lives along Montrose Street, less than a mile from the gas station. Police contacted her soon after collecting the wandering flock.
Osiecki later said the call caught her off guard but left her relieved. Neighbors already recognized the ducks, and officers said they stepped in partly because people had begun feeding them and attempting to handle them, which raised concerns about their safety.
The ducks were returned home the same evening, back to the creek behind the Osiecki house, where they usually spend their time.
Internet Fame for a Holiday Night
Image via Pexels/Ivan S
The lighthearted response struck a chord. Images of the ducks’ brief encounter with law enforcement spread quickly online, drawing laughs and praise for how the situation was handled.
Osiecki’s family appreciated the care shown by officers, calling the response thoughtful and kind. The ducks appeared unfazed by the experience and quickly resumed their normal routine.
Case Closed
Among fireworks and celebrations, New Milford’s most talked-about Fourth of July moment involved four curious ducks, a patrol car, and a good sense of humor. The charges were dropped, the suspects were released, and the town gained a story that still circulates years later.
Sometimes keeping the peace simply means knowing when to step in—and when to give a duck a ride home.