An estimated 20-30 cows escaped their containers and stampeded through Pico Rivera and Whittier in Los Angeles Tuesday night.
The large cattle trekked indiscriminately through front- and backyards, disturbing the community well into the night. The already-startled cows encountered shouts, bright helicopter lights, and barking dogs.
The herd escaped from a slaughterhouse shortly after 8:00 p.m.
Los Angeles police warned residents to avoid the area because of the cows. Deputies responded to help corral the lost herd.
Police shot and killed one cow. A deputy reportedly fired at the animal after it hurt someone.
A handful of cows were still loose on Walnut Ave. and Spruce St. in Whittier well past 11:00 p.m. Several people assisted in trying to lasso the remaining cattle.