Deer dies after wandering downtown

A one-antlered deer died despite efforts to resuscitate it after running through downtown Laguna Beach and swimming away into the ocean today.

The apparently crazed deer wandered into two Forest Avenue shops, crashed into a mirror, and then hit a car before heading to Main Beach shortly before 4 p.m. today, police Sgt. Louise Callus said.

The deer swam into the ocean, where it was followed by lifeguards who paddled out to it, before coming ashore at Rockpile Beach where it entered a cave. Animal Control Officer Joy Falk followed the animal into the cave and started giving it CPR as large waves crashed in, Callus said. Falk and the deer were both rescued by police officers who pulled them onto the sand. The deer died shortly thereafter.

The deer is believed to be the same one that was reported acting bizarrely Sunday. That deer, which was running around downtown Laguna Beach, also had one antler, Callus said.