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PINEVILLE, La. – Police are investigating a Louisiana restaurant after officers discovered a deer believed to be roadkill stored in a freezer alongside food items intended for customers, authorities said.
Dig deeper:
The Pineville Police Department said the investigation began after officers learned of a viral social media post showing individuals skinning an animal behind a local restaurant.
On April 21, officers were dispatched to the 2900 block of Cottingham Expressway after receiving a report that a restaurant employee had been seen skinning a dead animal.
When they arrived, officers found evidence suggesting the animal was a deer, which was believed to have been collected after being found dead along the roadside.
During the investigation, officers discovered the deer carcass stored in a freezer alongside other food items reportedly intended for customers at the restaurant.
What they’re saying:
According to KALB, the incident happened at China Queen and the restaurant posted this note to its door.
“We apologize for the recent incident. The item involved was never intended to be served to customers, but it was improperly stored. It has been fully cleaned and sanitized. We are cooperating with health authorities and have corrected our procedures to ensure this does not happen again. Thank you for your understanding.”
What’s next:
Because of the circumstances, authorities said they notified the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries and the Louisiana Department of Health. Officials from both agencies responded and are overseeing their respective portions of the investigation.
Officials also thanked the public for reporting the incident and encouraged anyone who notices suspicious activity to come forward so it can be properly investigated.
The Source: The information in this story comes primarily from the Pineville Police Department. This story was reported from Los Angeles.
