A Port Orange, Fla., man is facing a battery charge for allegedly assaulting his girlfriend with a pet alligator he kept in his bathtub, according to the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office.

A Volusia County sheriff’s deputy was dispatched to 2565 Guava Drive Friday in response to a domestic violence report.

The 39-year-old victim told the deputy that an argument had started between her and David Havenner, 41, which escalated into violence when he started hitting her with his fists, according to the report.

He then went to the bathroom and allegedly returned wielding a 3-foot alligator, swinging it at the woman. He hit her arm with the reptile as she tried to escape. He then allegedly threw empty beer bottles at her and finally shoved her out the front door of the house, according to the report.

The woman went to a neighbor’s house to call for help.

Havenner is charged with battery and possession of an alligator, both misdemeanor offences.

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission authorities were called out to the house to handle the illegal reptile.

Havenner was transported to the Volusia County Branch Jail in Daytona Beach.

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