LAKEWOOD RANCH, Fla. (AP) — 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.
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The Manatee County Sheriff's Office says the teen was not arrested but given notice to appear in court July 21.
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.
Officials had previously said two people dropped off the reptile, but authorities say no one else is expected to face charges.
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Information from: The Bradenton (Fla.) Herald , http://www.bradenton.com
