A self-employed fisherman was arrested Thursday after stealing an alligator from a mini-golf course and abusing it, Daytona Beach Shores law enforcement said.
Officers with the Daytona Beach Shores Department of Public Safety spotted William Hodge, a Fort Myers resident, trying to throw the reptile onto the roof of Metz Lounge, 2136 S. Atlantic Ave., shortly before 3:30 a.m. Thursday, according to the report. The officers also saw Hodge stomp on the alligator twice after slamming it onto the ground, the report said.
Hodge, 32, told officers he was “teaching it a lesson” after taking it from the alligator enclosure at Congo River Golf, 2100 S. Atlantic Ave., according to the charging affidavit.
He’s charged with possessing and injuring an alligator, unarmed burglary of an unoccupied dwelling and criminal mischief, records show. He is being held at the Volusia County Branch Jail without bail.
The alligator was returned to George King, manager of the mini-golf course, who said the reptile is worth $300, according to the report.
King couldn’t immediately be reached for comment Friday on the alligator’s condition.