FLORIDA — A 14-year-old has been arrested after deputies say he was seen kicking and swinging a baby alligator, according to the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies responded to the Stetson Aquatic Center after receiving reports of teens handling a baby alligator.
When authorities arrived, they encountered five teens who denied involvement. Investigators were unable to locate the alligator at the scene.
According to an arrest report, the initial caller provided videos and photos showing two teens holding the animal. In the footage, one teen is allegedly seen holding the alligator by the tail, swinging it back and forth, kicking at it, and lifting it over his head. The report also states the teen placed the alligator on the ground and kicked dirt on it.
Based on the evidence, deputies determined the teen had intentionally captured the alligator without authorization from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
The teen was taken to the Volusia Sheriff’s Office Juvenile Resource Center. The investigation remains ongoing.
