09/16/2026
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Some Things You Just Can Not Make Up
WOMAN ARRESTED AT POSSUM CREEK FESTIVAL AFTER ALLEGEDLY STEALING CEREMONIAL POSSUM, LEADING DEPUTIES ON 11-MPH GOLF CART CHASE
POSSUM CREEK, Ohio — A woman was arrested Saturday evening at the Possum Creek Festival after authorities say she stole the festival’s ceremonial possum and led deputies on a low-speed golf cart pursuit that ended when an officer performed a PIT maneuver near the livestock pavilion.
According to the Possum County Sheriff’s Office, 44-year-old Sheila Hargrove became upset shortly before 7 p.m. after witnessing the annual Possum Drop, during which a stuffed possum named Earl is lowered approximately 12 feet from a platform to officially begin the evening festivities.
No live animals are used in the ceremony.
Witnesses said Hargrove began yelling that the tradition was “disrespectful to possums” and demanded organizers turn Earl over to her.
Festival officials declined.
Approximately 20 minutes later, authorities say Hargrove returned to the stage, took Earl and ran toward a golf cart being used by festival volunteers.
She then allegedly drove away with Earl sitting beside her in the passenger seat.
“She wasn’t going particularly fast,” Deputy Mark Hollis said. “But she wasn’t stopping either.”
Two deputies initially pursued Hargrove on foot before obtaining another festival golf cart.
Authorities estimate the pursuit reached a top speed of approximately 11 mph.
Several festival attendees reportedly walked alongside the chase for portions of the pursuit.
One witness said his 8-year-old son briefly passed both golf carts on a bicycle.
Hargrove allegedly drove through the craft-vendor area, past the funnel cake stand and around the portable toilets before heading toward the livestock pavilion.
After approximately six minutes, deputies decided to end the pursuit.
Authorities say a deputy positioned the front corner of his golf cart against the rear side of Hargrove’s cart and performed what the sheriff’s office described as a “low-speed PIT maneuver.”
Both vehicles were traveling approximately 8 mph.
The maneuver caused Hargrove’s golf cart to rotate approximately 90 degrees before coming to rest against two hay bales.
No injuries were reported.
One lemonade was lost.
Hargrove allegedly exited the cart carrying Earl underneath one arm and attempted to continue fleeing on foot.
Witnesses reported hearing her yell, “YOU’RE FREE NOW, BABY,” before deputies caught up with her approximately 30 feet later.
She was taken into custody without further incident.
Earl was recovered.
Festival organizers said the ceremonial possum sustained minor damage to his left ear during the incident but is expected to make a full recovery.
Hargrove reportedly told deputies she had been attempting to “return him to nature.”
When informed that Earl is made primarily of polyester and foam, Hargrove allegedly responded, “That’s what they told you.”
The sheriff’s office has not said whether alcohol was involved.
Festival officials confirmed Sunday that the Possum Drop will return next year.
Organizers are considering attaching Earl to the platform.
The sheriff’s office has not announced whether additional golf-cart pursuit training will be provided before next year’s festival.
Possum Creek Times Reporter
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