Joliet police 'detain' Punxsutawney Phil after winter prediction

Punxsutawney Phil isn’t quite off the hook with local law enforcement after predicting six more weeks of winter on Sunday morning.

Phil, the famous groundhog, saw his shadow at dawn, leading to his forecast of a prolonged winter.

What we know:

Phil emerged from his burrow at dawn as thousands waited across the country to see his prediction.

After a scroll was read aloud, it was revealed that Phil had predicted six more weeks of winter.

Among those who are displeased with his prediction is Joliet Police Department. 

What they're saying:

"Punxsutawney Phil was briefly detained and released by Joliet Police this morning. He was questioned about seeing his shadow & predicting six more weeks of winter. Phil still claims it will be an early spring, and we advised him that if spring doesn’t come early, he’ll be placed into custody and will only be released when warmer weather is here," Joliet police posted on Facebook. 

Several people commented on the post, in agreement with Joliet police: 

"He needs to be held to the full extent of the law for this nonsense!" one user commented.

"Throw the book at him!" another user said. 

The police department even posted Phil's mugshot, shared below: 

Punxsutawney Phil detained by Joliet PD. 

The backstory:

Phil's annual prediction is a long-standing tradition in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, drawing thousands of visitors.

According to legend, if Phil sees his shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter.

If he doesn’t, an early spring is expected.

The event takes place every year on Feb. 2.

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