Chihuahua apprehended after mad dash across San Francisco’s Bay Bridge

A runaway chihuahua made its way onto San Francisco's Bay Bridge on April 3, setting off a police chase to capture the tiny dog. (Video: Twitter/California Highway Patrol, San Francisco)

A black blur hurtled across Northern California’s busy Bay Bridge early Sunday, scampering across lanes and weaving through brunch-goers as it tried to make its way to San Francisco on the bridge’s westbound side. The dashing dog sparked a temporary shutdown of the roadway.

“We’ve had dogs on the bridge, all sorts of animals: seals, turtles, you name it,” California Highway Patrol Officer Vu Williams told the Los Angeles Times. “We never had one that took off and took so long to get.”

Officer Williams and his partner arrived at the scene about 7 a.m. As Williams stopped traffic in his squad car, his motorcycle-riding partner tailed the dog for five to 10 minutes down the 4.5-mile bridge. That’s when Williams recorded a video of the drawn-out chase.

High speed pursuit of 🐶 this morning on the #BayBridge! Suspect taken into custody. All are safe! #onlyinSF pic.twitter.com/Ny5dgSRITz

— CHP San Francisco (@CHPSanFrancisco) April 3, 2016

The little dog’s legs were pumping as fast as possible, and it looked absolutely terrified. After four failed attempts to scoop up the sprinting canine, Williams drove ahead of the animal and cornered it against the side of the bridge with his jacket.

The chihuahua was reportedly in good health when it was apprehended but was wearing a collar without any identifying information. It was turned over to San Francisco County Animal Care until its owner comes forward.

The pup, aptly named “Ponch” after Frank “Ponch” Poncharello from the TV series “ChiPs,” will remain record-free after his excursion.

“Although Ponch failed to pull over and resisted arrest, he won’t be charged,” Officer William assured reporters.