Monkey clings to its owner as he is arrested for stealing a car

A monkey has been filmed clinging to his owner as he was arrested on suspicion of stealing a car.

Cody Blake Hession allegedly crashed a stolen vehicle into a ditch near Holiday, Florida.

But when Pasco County Sheriff deputies arrived to arrest him a little capuchin monkey clung to the front of his pink polo shirt, even after he was handcuffed.

Officers captured the animal on a body-worn camera.

The monkey, which is called Monk, calmly sits dressed in a nappy on his owner’s shoulder as he fills in paperwork.

In a final goodbye before the pair part ways, the capuchin puts his arms around Mr Hession’s neck while his owner affectionately strokes him.

It was also alleged that Mr Hession did not have a valid permit for Monk, who was taken to a primate sanctuary.

Pasco County Sheriff office said the incident was “all in a day’s work”.

“Deputies arrested Cody Blake Hession for auto theft after he drove the stolen vehicle he was driving into a ditch in Holiday,” the sheriff’s office said in a post on Facebook. "What they didn't expect was the capuchin monkey he had with him.

“FWC [Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission] took possession of the monkey and transported it to the Suncoast Primate Sanctuary as Hession did not have a permit for the animal, which could result in additional charges.”