Sunset Beach Police officer rescues hawk after witnessing it struck by vehicle

SUNSET BEACH, NC (WWAY) — An officer with the Sunset Beach Police Department was in the right place at the right time on Tuesday.

Officer Arp witnessed a Cooper’s Hawk be struck by a vehicle in front of the Carl Bazemore Bird Walk on Shoreline Drive West. He immediately turned his patrol car around to help the injured bird.

As officer Arp approached the hawk he noticed the bird was unable to fly. The injured bird was safely captured and secured for transport.

Officer Arp delivered the hawk to the Sea Biscuit Wildlife Shelter in Oak Island, where sick and injured birds are provided safe shelter to heal and fly again.

Sea Biscuit is holding the approximately two-year-old hawk for observation and potential medical treatment.

UPDATE

Officer Arp contacted the Sea Biscuit Wildlife Shelter to get an update on the Cooper’s Hawk. Representative Mary-Ellen said the hawk was doing great and was released back into the wild at the Carl Bazemore Bird Walk Observatory Wednesday afternoon.