A loose bull created a serious hazard for motorists on Highway 35 in San Mateo County, California, late Tuesday night. Deputies and California Highway Patrol officers spent hours trying to control the animal before calling in local livestock expert Samuel Ramos Palomino. The Half Moon Bay community member helped guide, secure and shelter the bull until it could be returned home at daybreak.
Palomino, a foreman at Sea Horse Ranch with 35 years of experience working with large animals, responded shortly after midnight despite having to report for work at 4 a.m. The operation ended at about 2:30 a.m., according to the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities said the response likely prevented a serious collision or injury on the busy highway. Local officials later met with Palomino to thank him for his assistance.
| 1) | Bull creates a highway hazard |
| 2) | Authorities seek specialized help |
| 3) | Overnight effort follows the animal for miles |
| 4) | Bull is secured and sheltered |
| 5) | Officials recognize the volunteer’s role |
Bull creates a highway hazard
San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded Tuesday evening to assist California Highway Patrol officers after a large bull was reported running loose along Highway 35. The animal’s presence on the roadway posed a danger to passing motorists, particularly because the incident occurred at night on a busy highway.
Authorities attempted to corral the bull for hours, but the animal continued moving along the route. Photographs released after the operation showed deputies and highway officers working near the bull as they tried to clear the roadway and reduce the risk to drivers.
Authorities seek specialized help
After repeated attempts failed, deputies sought assistance from someone with practical experience handling large livestock. They contacted Samuel Ramos Palomino, a Half Moon Bay community member and foreman at Sea Horse Ranch.
Palomino had been asleep when authorities called shortly after midnight. Although he was scheduled to begin work at 4 a.m., he immediately prepared his truck and livestock trailer and traveled to the scene. His knowledge of animal behavior gave responders an additional way to approach the unyielding bull safely.
Overnight effort follows the animal for miles
Palomino worked with the Sheriff’s Office deputies and California Highway Patrol officers as the group followed the bull for several miles along Highway 35. The team made repeated efforts to lasso the animal while also working to protect motorists and keep the situation under control.
The operation required coordination among the officers handling traffic and public safety and Palomino, who provided livestock expertise. The extended response continued into the early morning, reflecting the difficulty of controlling a large animal in an active roadway environment.
Bull is secured and sheltered
The team eventually secured the bull. Palomino then used his experience to safely load the animal into his livestock trailer, removing it from the highway and eliminating the immediate threat to drivers.
He also provided a secure location for the bull until it could be returned to its home at daybreak. The animal’s temporary shelter allowed authorities to conclude the overnight response without leaving it exposed on the roadway.
“Samuel, thank you for answering ours. Your skill, courage, and willingness to help made the Coastside a safer place that night.”
Officials recognize the volunteer’s role
The job was completed at about 2:30 a.m., roughly 90 minutes before Palomino had to wake up for work. The Sheriff’s Office praised his hands-on assistance and said he likely helped prevent a serious collision or injury.
Coastside Patrol Bureau Capt. Allen and Half Moon Bay City Manager Chidester later met with Palomino in person to thank him. Their recognition highlighted the importance of local knowledge and voluntary cooperation during an unusual public safety response.
| Number | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | A bull ran loose along Highway 35 in San Mateo County. |
| 2 | Deputies and highway officers spent hours attempting to corral it. |
| 3 | Samuel Ramos Palomino brought livestock expertise, a truck and a trailer. |
| 4 | The bull was secured and held safely until daybreak. |
Summary
A coordinated overnight response removed a loose bull from a dangerous stretch of Highway 35. The effort succeeded after Samuel Ramos Palomino applied decades of large-animal experience, helping authorities secure the animal, transport it safely and arrange temporary shelter. Officials said his timely assistance made the area safer for motorists and helped avert a potentially serious incident.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did the bull run loose?
The bull was found running along Highway 35 in San Mateo County, California.
Who helped authorities secure the animal?
Samuel Ramos Palomino, a Sea Horse Ranch foreman with 35 years of experience working with large animals, assisted deputies and California Highway Patrol officers.
How long did the response last?
The operation ended at about 2:30 a.m. after the team followed the bull for several miles and made repeated attempts to lasso it.
What happened to the bull after it was secured?
Palomino loaded the bull into his livestock trailer and provided a secure location for it until it could be returned home at daybreak.