'Squealing' former New York cop wrangles first alligator in new job: 'Official welcome to Florida'
Share and Follow

It’s law enforcement on a whole new “scale.”

While attempting to capture his first alligator in Florida, a former New York police officer found out just how challenging the task can be. In a humorous Facebook post, the Largo Police Department shared that Officer Martinez had a funny reaction when dealing with the unexpected visitor.

The incident occurred when the alligator made its way onto a property in Largo, creating what was described as a typical “Florida situation.” Even though most of the team handled the situation with expertise, the New York officer’s inexperience with alligators was evident in his reaction.

“You have big teeth. I have tiny fingers,” Martinez tells the hissing critter as another officer tries to hand it to him.


Martinez
Officer Martinez got spooked while trying to wrangle his first alligator on duty in Florida. Largo Police Department via Storyful

The juvenile alligator, which has its jaws taped shut, suddenly begins thrashing wildly — causing Martinez to yell, “Ah! Oh god, why?!”

According to officials and footage from the scene, the officer was visibly startled and began “squealing” during his encounter with the gator. The Largo Police Department light-heartedly commented on the situation, highlighting the officer’s first-time experience with handling such wildlife in Florida.

“Let’s just say there was some jumping and maybe some squealing.”

Martinez — whose first name or previous police job in New York wasn’t released — then holds the gator with a spooked facial expression and then a grin as someone else snaps a photo.


Martinez with gator
Martinez got an “official welcome to Florida,” while wrangling the gator, cops said. Largo Police Department via Storyful

The police department called the moment Martinez’s “official welcome to Florida,” where weird crime and exotic critters run amok.

It wasn’t immediately clear which New York police department Martinez had previously worked for.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
National Guard may deploy to Memphis by Friday, police chief says

Memphis Could See National Guard Arrival by Friday, According to Police Chief

MEMPHIS, Tenn. The Memphis Safe Task Force consists of approximately 700 federal…
'At what point does our town cease to exist?': No mayor on ballot for Iowa town

“When Does a Town Disappear? Iowa Town Faces Mayoral Vacancy”

SIBLEY, Iowa (KCAU) Election season is right around the corner, and for…
Naomi Watts' daughter Kai Schreiber, 16, holds hands with mystery man

Naomi Watts’ Daughter Kai Schreiber Spotted Holding Hands with Mystery Man at 16

Kai Schreiber, the daughter of Naomi Watts and Liev Schreiber, seemed in…
Watch: House Republicans give remarks on shutdown Day 10

Watch: House Republicans Comment on the 10th Day of Government Shutdown

Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) and House Republican leaders gave remarks Friday morning…
What role will US troops have in Gaza ceasefire?

How will US military forces be involved in the Gaza ceasefire?

() The White House is seeking to clarify the role U.S. troops…
Loyola University mourns death of Sister Jean, much more than iconic men's basketball team chaplain

Loyola University Grieves the Loss of Sister Jean, a Beloved Figure Beyond Men’s Basketball Team Chaplain

CHICAGO (WLS) — Sister Jean served as the iconic chaplain to the…
Air traffic controllers who duck unpaid work during the gov't shutdown could be fired, Duffy warns

Duffy warns air traffic controllers may face termination for avoiding unpaid work during government shutdown

Even though the U.S. has a stark shortage of air traffic controllers,…
US diplomat fired over relationship with woman accused of Chinese Communist Party ties

US Diplomat Dismissed Over Relationship with Woman Allegedly Linked to Chinese Communist Party

WASHINGTON (AP) The State Department said Wednesday that it has fired a…