A Fresno motorcycle cop lassoed a runaway bull that was on the loose Friday in residential neighborhoods and forced the lockdown of two elementary schools.

Sightings of the 1,500-pound bull running through the streets of the city took police officers -- and everyone else -- by surprise.

"This is not an ordinary occurrence by any stretch," said police Lt. Burke Farrah. "We're a city of a half-million people, despite our reputation as a cow town."

In 40 minutes, the bull traveled two miles, prompting officers to request lockdowns at the two schools.

Rosemary Valenzuela said she was in her driveway leaving for work as an in-home care provider when she saw police cars and motorcycles.

"I thought it was a parade with all their lights flashing," she said. "Then I hear them say 'Get in your house. Get in your vehicle' and this big old thing comes whoomp, whoomp, whoomping past into our backyard."