Alligator Taken Into Custody During Search Warrant Execution

It was supposed to be a routine search warrant.

But Long Branch police got a surprise when they found an alligator in the home they were searching.

“A Gator!” police posted on the police department Facebook page.

The animal was apparently being kept as a house pet. It was turned over to Long Branch Animal Control Officer Deb Nagel, he called New Jersey Fish, Game and Wildlife to arrange for a pickup.

Fines for keeping an animal like this can range up to $25,000.

“It is likely that our little friend will wind up being adopted by an animal organization such as a zoo or aquarium,” the Facebook page states. We will keep you posted if we learn of its new home. Fortunately, no animals (or detectives) were injured in this event.”

Det. Lt. Jeffrey Grippaldi and Det. Todd Coleman. Det. Richard O’Brien assisted.