A Florida man was arrested after the police allegedly caught him on top of a building while abusing an alligator that they believed he stole from a miniature golf exhibit.
William Hodge, 32, is from Ft. Meyers, Florida.
Just before 3:30 am on July 15, Hodge was reportedly seen by Volusia County law enforcement as he was walking down a street near the Congo River Golf & Exploration. The man was reportedly carrying an alligator.
Officers reported that they watched the man attempt to throw the alligator on top of the roof of a building, and he struck the awning attached to the structure with its body. He also allegedly threw the alligator on the sidewalk and forcefully stepped on it.
Congo River Golf has an alligator enclosure where visitors can interact with the reptiles. The police surmised Hodge had found a way into the closed recreational center and that he had taken the alligator without permission.
When one of the officers asked Hodge what he was doing, the man allegedly said that the alligator needed to be taught a lesson.
Hodge and the alligator were taken to the Daytona Beach Shores Department of Public Safety for processing. Hodge was placed in a holding cell.
According to the affidavit, Hodge intentionally caused the toilet inside the cell to overflow by clogging it with wads of toilet paper. He allegedly threatened to flood the entire building.
Hodge was taken to the county jail and incarcerated on a $4,500 bond. He is facing charges for suspicion of animal cruelty, possession and injury of an alligator, theft, criminal mischief, and unarmed burglary.
The alligator was picked up by the manager of Congo River Golf, who reported that it has a value of $300.
If you or someone you love is suspected of a criminal offense, contact Orange County criminal defense lawyer Staycie R. Sena at (949) 477-8088 for a consultation now.