Teen charged with dumping gator in Florida Wawa Alligator safely relocated
LAKEWOOD RANCH, Fla. – Florida authorities say they've charged a teen with dumping a live alligator in a convenience store earlier this month.
The Bradenton Herald reports that the 17-year-old boy was issued a misdemeanor citation Friday charging him with illegally possessing or harvesting an American alligator. The Manatee County Sheriff's Office says the teen was not arrested but given notice to appear in court July 21.
[READ: Women stop traffic to help alligator cross busy Orlando-area road ]
The sheriff's office was alerted to the two-foot alligator around 2:30 a.m. June 15. Deputies contacted the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, which sent a trapper to the Wawa store in Lakewood Ranch. The alligator was relocated to a suitable environment.
[RELATED: Investigation continues after mutilated gator found in Palm Bay ]
Officials had previously said two people dropped off the reptile, but authorities say no one else is expected to face charges.
Copyright 2018 by WKMG ClickOrlando. The Associated Press contributed to this report. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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