BERLIN – A herd of wild boars has thwarted a suspected car thief’s getaway in northern Germany.

Police in Schwerin say the 18-year-old abandoned a stolen SUV he was driving Thursday after failing to shake off a chasing patrol car by driving into a field.

Police nabbed his passenger immediately. But they say the driver initially got away by running into nearby woods.

Officers then heard the fugitive shouting for help – he had run into a herd of angry wild boars that were keen to protect their young.

Police freed the man from the boars and took him into custody.

Wild boars often make themselves at home in residential neighborhoods.

Guns to go: Missouri car dealer offers bonus with purchases

BUTLER, Mo. – Salesmen at one Missouri car dealership aren’t just kicking in a free CD player or factory air: They’re offering a free handgun with every purchase.

Through the end of the month, car buyers at Max Motors in Butler will have a choice – $250 toward either a gun purchase or gasoline.

General manager Walter Moore said that so far, most buyers have chosen the gun, adding that he suggests they opt for a semiautomatic model “because it holds more rounds.”

Moore said he suspects his “Free Handgun” ad will draw protests in some places. But not in Butler, about 65 miles south of Kansas City.

Moore said, “Down here, we all believe in God, guts and guns.”