Houston police captured a tiger Saturday, five days after it escaped its owner and began roaming the nation’s fourth-largest city.
India the Bengal tiger made a dash for freedom Monday, but was quickly grabbed by the collar and placed in a vehicle by Victor Hugo Cuevas, who led police on a short chase before he was arrested.
While Cuevas was apprehended, the tiger escaped, sparking a week-long search that included hundreds of tips and even “Tiger King” star Carole Baskin offering a $5,000 reward.
A friend of Cuevas’ wife, Gia, tipped off police to the tiger’s location Saturday, local CBS affiliate KHOU reported. Officers met with Gia Cuevas, who turned over the animal, police said.
The Houston Police Department said India appeared healthy and unharmed. No tiger-related injuries were reported throughout the week. India was taken to a local animal shelter.
Meanwhile, Cuevas is behind bars on a murder charge. Though he posted $50,000 bond Thursday, a judge raised the bond to $300,000 on Friday and ordered Cuevas re-incarcerated, according to KHOU.
Cops said Cuevas owns the tiger, citing their obvious friendly relationship and adding that Gia Cuevas admitted to it Saturday. But Cuevas’ lawyer has maintained that his client does not own the beast. Owning tigers is illegal in the city of Houston.
