More than 1,500 turtles slowly escape from farm in US after fence torn down

SUMMERVILLE, Georgia - More than 1,500 turtles have made a slow-speed escape from their farm in the U.S.

Turtle farmer David Driver tells sheriff's officials he suspects vandals are to blame for tearing down fences around his turtle ponds.

Authorities say that allowed the turtles make a beeline to nearby ponds and creeks.

Driver tells The Chattanooga Times Free Press newspaper that about 1,600 of the 2,200 turtles escaped. He says his business involves selling some turtles to pet-growing operations and others to China.

Sheriff's officials are continuing to search for the escapees.