In a tale that seems straight out of a Florida-themed sitcom, a Miami man found himself in a sticky situation after attempting to trade a live alligator for a cold brew at a local convenience store.
The protagonist of this bizarre escapade is Fernando Caignet Aguilera, a 64-year-old resident whose unusual thirst-quenching methods landed him in hot water with authorities. According to Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission spokesman Jorge Pino, Aguilera concocted his plan on December 10th, when he decided to take matters into his own hands – or claws, rather.
In a move that left both the clerk and the alligator bewildered, Aguilera strolled into the Santa Ana Market with a live, 4-foot alligator in tow. With the confidence of a seasoned barterer, he boldly approached the counter and proposed a trade: one reptilian companion in exchange for a humble 12-pack of beer.
However, the clerk, perhaps not accustomed to such unconventional transactions, wisely decided to contact the authorities instead of accepting Aguilera’s offer. Soon enough, Miami police were on the scene, putting an end to what can only be described as a truly wild exchange.