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Llama drama causes police chase outside Phoenix

Two llamas paralyzed a Phoenix-area suburb Thursday, running amok as authorities chased them up and down streets
Llamas make a run for it in Arizona 02:16

SUN CITY, Ariz. -- Car chases are common on TV news, but it's very rare that we get to see a llama chase ... or llama drama if you will.

That's right, two of the animals were spotted running through the streets of Sun City, Arizona outside Phoenix. The llamas had an appointment at the Carillons GenCare Lifestyle retirement community as therapy animals, but they apparently thought better of the idea when a retirees tried to hold one of them, CBS News learned.

Llamas on the lam 34:37

They seemed to be excited with their freedom and unafraid of their surroundings and of animal control workers who were trying to corner them.

Their televised break-out quickly inspired a Twitter account and several hashtags including, #LlamasonTheLoose.

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Two llamas apparently escaped from their handlers and ran aimlessly through the streets of Sun City, Ariz. CBS News
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A llama took it on the lam, but was eventually caught. CBS News

The llamas thwarted numerous attempts by Maricopa County Sheriff's deputies and bystanders to round them up.

After a two-hour chase, one of the animals, a black baby llama named Lainey, was captured unharmed, by Maricopa County Sheriff's deputies and llama farm volunteers.

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A llama that had been running through the streets of Sun City is lassoed after a lengthy chase. CBS News

The second animal, a larger white llama, named Carnita, remained on the loose for several more minutes until it was lassoed and taken by handlers. It was unknown if the llamas were anyone's pets.

No word on any criminal or misdemeanor charges pending against the owner, or the llamas.

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