5 hurt when bull escapes Redding arena during rodeo

Five people were injured when a bull escaped an arena during a popular Northern California rodeo Friday night, authorities said Sunday.

The bull jumped over a fence and into a crowd of attendees before escaping the rodeo grounds during the final section of the Redding Rodeo’s bull riding event, the Redding Rodeo Association said in a Facebook post.

Rodeo livestock professionals captured the bull near the Sundial Bridge — about a half mile from the arena — and immediately placed the animal in a trailer, the association said.

“The bull did not buck again at the Redding Rodeo and was taken back to his ranch,” a spokesperson for the association said in a statement Sunday.

Emergency personnel and law enforcement officials provided aid to the wounded people, the statement said.

The bull injured five people, including one wounded near the Sundial Bridge and taken to a hospital for minor injuries, the association spokesperson said. Another victim was injured near the bridge, and three others at the rodeo grounds, officials said.

Redding police Cpl. Aaron Holleman said that in his 16 years with the city’s Police Department, “this is the first incident that I’m aware of ” involving a bull attack at the rodeo.

“Livestock jumping the fence is a very rare occurrence,” said the spokesperson, who did not want to be quoted by name but said the comment should be attributed to the association.

A short video posted online of what appears to be the incident shows a cowboy riding the bull before he falls off the animal. Another cowboy on a horse then tries to capture the loose bull with a lasso before the bull jumps over a fence and into a crowd of bystanders.

“We wish the best to all those affected. The safety of our fans is our highest priority and we appreciate their support,” the Redding Rodeo Association’s statement said.

The incident occurred on the third day of the four-day rodeo. The association celebrated its 75th year this weekend.