Florida man arrested for attacking alligator stolen from mini-golf course

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (TCD) --

A Florida man was arrested on multiple charges after allegedly attacking an alligator stolen from a Daytona Beach mini-golf course Wednesday night.

William “Bubba” Hodge was seen carrying an alligator down Florida State Road A1A Wednesday night, according to the Daytona Beach Shores Department of Public Safety.

Hodge allegedly tried to throw the alligator onto the roof of a business in Daytona Beach Shores, and then slammed the animal on the ground by its tail, police said.

Hodge told police he stole the alligator from the Congo River Golf miniature-golf location after wrestling with it. The alligator was returned to the mini-golf course’s management.

Hodge was arrested on charges of animal cruelty; alligator poaching; burglary; theft; and criminal mischief. He was held at the Volusia County Jail on $4,500 bond.

Hodge told officers he was “teaching it a lesson,” according to WPTV-TV, quoting the arrest report.

The mini-golf course offers guests the opportunity to feed alligators as an attraction.

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