An offender of the four-legged variety has unsuccessfully attempted to outrun San Francisco police on a mad dash across the city's Bay Bridge.

The chihuahua ran like the wind across the bridge with police led on what they called a "high-speed pursuit" to catch the wayward pooch.

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At one stage the black chihuahua was running against traffic on the four-lane bridge according to officials.

Officers closed the bridge at the time of the chase which took place during morning peak-hour traffic.

"It took a while, I mean he was fast," Officer Vu Williams told abc7 San Francisco.

"We set up several road blocks, but he just ran right around them. Eventually we were able to box him in."

The dog was eventually caught by Officer Williams who used his jacket to distract and capture the outlaw.

County animal care later picked up the canine runaway after his "ruff" morning and named him Ponch after the character played by Erik Estrada in the police drama CHIPs, known for its over-the-top highway pileups.

Ponch has been labelled as missing and is staying in animal care where he will hopefully be retrieved by his family.

The canine fugitive was not wearing any identification apart from a tag decorated with a human skull.

In the meantime, San Francisco Police said they have given Ponch a verbal warning for his highway blitz "which went something like 'woof, woof, WOOF!'"