STORY AND PHOTO BY KAREN BOSSICK

Hailey Police patrol cars converged in the middle of downtown Hailey Wednesday morning as police tried to apprehend an escaped fugitive.

The suspect, which sported a head full of dark brown curls, ran across Bullion Street to Atkinsons’ Market where men were busy seal coating the parking lot. Then, as Hailey Police Chief Steve England tried to corral him, the bolter headed towards Trailhead Bicycles where workers putting the final touches on fresh cement.

Steve England said in passing that the runaway had escaped from Croy Canyon. But he was off in a flash trying to catch it so it was not clear whether it was a pet that had decided to spend a day in the big city or a sheep being fattened for market that had run away from a flock summering in the area.

The Eye, unfortunately, was not quick enough to shoot a picture of the sheep, which headed down Bullion Street, managing to scamper through the 10 o’clock traffic as it crossed Main Street and headed west.

There has been no word on whether the suspect was captured and booked into the Blaine County Jail for disturbing the peace or whether it remains at large.

England apparently felt no need to call in the National Guard to protect the safety of the citizens of Hailey.