Baby Gator, Drugs, Guns Found In Collier County Man’s Truck: Sheriff

COLLIER COUNTY, FL — A 31-year-old Golden Gate Estates man faces multiple felony charges after deputies found a baby gator, drugs and guns in his truck early Friday morning, the Collier County Sheriff’s Office shared on Facebook.

Michael Marolla was pulled over for a traffic stop around 12:30 a.m. near 12th Street Southeast and Golden Gate Boulevard after deputies recognized him from previous encounters as having a suspended license.

“Deputies found more than they bargained for” during what should have been a routine traffic stop, CCSO said.

A live baby alligator was in an open plastic tub in the bed of the truck, while two guns were found inside the truck, the sheriff’s office said. One gun was in the glove compartment and the other was hidden under the front passenger seat.

Marolla was charged with two counts of carrying a concealed firearm. He was also charged with possession of a controlled substance (amphetamine) and possession of narcotic equipment after deputies found multiple syringes loaded with methamphetamine in his jacket, CCSO said.

Deputies notified the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission about the alligator. Wildlife officers responded to investigate.