Man who attempted to pet moose in Spokane arrested

SPOKANE — A man who attempted to pet a bull moose in a Spokane cemetery was arrested after fighting with a wildlife officer.

Police said Joseph D. Patterson, 33, interfered with the state Fish and Wildlife officer who was trying to corral the agitated moose Sunday at Holy Cross Cemetery.

The Spokesman-Review reported that Patterson approached, saying he wanted to pet the moose and take a picture.

The officer asked Patterson to stop. The two scuffled. Police arrived to help and found illegal prescription drugs on Patterson. He was jailed on suspicion of assault, drug possession and resisting arrest.

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