Riverside, California: Giant Catfish Causes Traffic Jam on I-215

Giant Catfish Immobilizes Inland Empire Traffic on I-215Giant Catfish Immobilizes Inland Empire Traffic on I-215 Riverside, CA – A surreal spectacle unfolded on Interstate 215 in Riverside on Tuesday evening, as a colossal catfish caused a major traffic jam. According to California Highway Patrol (CHP) officers, the massive fish, measuring approximately 4 feet in length and weighing over 50 pounds, was spotted crossing the freeway near the La Sierra Avenue off-ramp. As motorists approached the scene, they were astounded by the bizarre sight. The ginormous catfish, its slippery body writhing on the asphalt, effectively blocked traffic in both directions. “I’ve never seen anything like it,” said eyewitness John Smith. “It looked like a creature from a prehistoric movie.” CHP officers quickly arrived on the scene and attempted to capture the errant fish. However, the catfish, surprisingly agile for its size, proved to be a formidable opponent. Officers used several large nets to corral the beast, but it repeatedly broke free and resumed its meandering journey across the freeway. The traffic jam stretched for miles in both directions, as impatient drivers honked their horns and waited anxiously for the situation to be resolved. “This is ridiculous,” said frustrated commuter Sarah Jones. “I’m late for work because of a catfish!” After nearly an hour of struggle, CHP officers finally managed to secure the massive fish in their patrol vehicle. It was transported to the nearby Western Riverside County/City Animal Shelter, where it was examined by veterinarians. The origin of the giant catfish remains a mystery, but officials speculate that it may have escaped from a nearby river or lake during recent heavy rains. “We’re not sure how a fish that size ended up on the freeway,” said CHP spokesperson Sergeant Jason Norton. “But it’s certainly the strangest case we’ve encountered in a long time.” Once the catfish was removed, traffic resumed slowly, and the evening commute returned to its chaotic normalcy. However, the story of the giant catfish on I-215 is sure to be passed down through generations of Inland Empire drivers.