A Polk County alligator encounter ended in an arrest this week after wildlife officers say a man opened fire on the animal near Bartow. The suspect, identified in court as 52-year-old Keith Allen Fannin, is charged with illegally killing an alligator and was ordered held on a $5,000 bond.
According to 10 Tampa Bay, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officers responded after Bartow police reported the incident. Investigators say Fannin admitted to firing a handgun at the alligator multiple times. The outlet reported that he appeared in court Thursday and was released on a $5,000 bond. Local authorities say the case reflects standard enforcement of state wildlife rules in populated areas.
What the law says
Florida statute 379.409…..