Puzzling Pursuit: Unraveling the Curious Incident at Pierce College’s Swine Unit
Introduction
A wave of curiosity and bewilderment washed over Pierce College’s tranquil campus on the morning of January 13, as an unusual incident near the Swine Unit stirred up unexpected commotion. Two individuals were found chasing pigs within the unit’s boundaries, setting off a series of events that would prompt swift police intervention and subsequent arrests. This enigmatic event has left both the college community and authorities puzzled, sparking questions about the motives behind this peculiar pursuit that unfolded against the backdrop of an otherwise serene setting.
LEDE
Pierce College’s campus was jolted on Monday morning, January 13, by a peculiar incident that unfolded near the Swine Unit. Two individuals were caught in the act of chasing pigs within the confines of the unit, leading to a swift police response and subsequent arrests. The bizarre occurrence has left the campus community puzzled and intrigued, as authorities work to unravel the motives behind this unusual event.
Deputy Steve Steggler’s report, written on January 12, sheds light on the early morning commotion. “This morning at 4 a.m., while patrolling the campus, I noticed flashing lights near the Swine Unit,” the report reads. Deputy Steggler promptly called for assistance and, together with Officer Peter Patter, approached the Swine Unit. The officers found two men engaged in the unconventional pursuit of pigs, prompting them to intervene. Despite commands to surrender, one of the suspects fled the scene, even as warning shots were fired. The apprehended individual, William Wart, a 19-year-old agriculture student at Pierce College residing at 19032 Roseville Road, Woodland Hills, revealed that his companion and roommate, Tod Terror, also a Pierce student, had managed to escape (Steggler, 2023).
Subsequent investigations unveiled a startling discovery within the Swine Unit—a 1994 red Ford pickup truck containing three pigs in its camper shell. The truck, registered to Tod Terror, added a layer of intrigue to the unfolding narrative (Steggler, 2023).
Mick Sears, the chair of Pierce College’s agriculture department, weighed in on the incident, stating, “Yes, Wart and Terror are ag majors here. They told me they want to start a farm together. But I am certain this is just some kind of a misunderstanding.” Sears’ remarks highlight the complex dynamics surrounding the incident, as campus figures grapple with reconciling the students’ intentions with the unconventional pursuit of pigs (Sears, as cited in Steggler, 2023).
Contacting LAPD’s West Valley Division for further insight, Officer Helen Hart disclosed that authorities are actively searching for Tod Terror, the escaped suspect. Meanwhile, William Wart remains in custody, his bail set at $5,000. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Wart on January 15, casting a legal spotlight on the peculiar events that transpired within Pierce College’s Swine Unit (Hart, as cited in Steggler, 2023).
Conclusion
As the dust settles on the peculiar events that unfolded within Pierce College’s Swine Unit, the campus community finds itself grappling with more questions than answers. The pursuit of pigs by these two students, while baffling, offers a glimpse into a narrative that remains shrouded in mystery. With law enforcement diligently working to locate the elusive Tod Terror, and William Wart facing legal consequences for his involvement, the Swine Unit incident serves as a reminder that even the most serene environments can be host to perplexing and captivating tales. As the college community awaits further developments, the peculiar pursuit of pigs will undoubtedly remain a topic of conversation, curiosity, and intrigue for days to come.
References
Hart, H. (2023). Personal communication regarding Swine Unit incident. LAPD West Valley Division.
Sears, M. (2023). Personal communication regarding Swine Unit incident. Chair of the Agriculture Department, Pierce College.
Steggler, S. (2023). Incident Report: Swine Unit Commotion. Los Angeles County Sheriff’s station, Pierce College campus.
