Uploaded August 2024 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
On February 11, 2023, an officer of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) was dispatched to investigate a report concerning three males allegedly shooting an alligator in the J.W. Corbett Wildlife Management Area. The report, made by an anonymous caller, described the suspects as three young adult Black males driving a white Toyota pickup truck. The vehicle was reported to be traveling west on North Grade, approximately three miles from the North entrance.
Upon arrival, the responding officer observed a vehicle matching the description driving west on North Grade, just past Campsite G. The vehicle was moving slowly, with all occupants appearing to look outside. The officer activated the emergency lights and conducted a traffic stop. Upon approaching the vehicle, the officer observed a deceased American Alligator and a migratory bird, later identified as a juvenile Night Heron, in the truck bed.
The officer identified themselves and inquired if the occupants were engaged in hunting. The male seated in the back responded that they were not hunting. He claimed that both the alligator and the bird had been given to them by someone. The officer explained that the alligator hunting season had ended and that hunting rules for alligators were very specific. The officer then requested identification from all occupants.
The driver of the vehicle was identified, and the front seat passenger was also identified. The backseat passenger was noted as well. Upon inspecting the deceased alligator, the officer noted several small-caliber bullet holes in its head. The juvenile Night Heron also had a small-caliber bullet hole in its head and a wounded wing. The officer asked the occupants if they had any weapons in the vehicle. Two occupants confirmed they had handguns, while the third occupant initially denied having any weapons. However, the third occupant later revealed a .22 caliber rifle with a scope hidden under his feet. All firearms were checked with dispatch and were not listed in NCIC/FCIC.
At approximately 1730 hours, additional officers arrived to assist. The officers separated the subjects for individual interviews. Miranda rights were read to each individual on camera. Initially, the subjects claimed that the alligator and the heron were given to them by an individual driving a white Jeep. However, after identifying inconsistencies in their statements and confronting them with evidence that the animals had been shot with ammunition similar to what was found in their possession, the subjects admitted their involvement. They confessed that all three of them had participated in the illegal shooting of the alligator and Night Heron. For further details, the body-worn camera footage of the interviews is available.
Evidence collected included the three firearms used in the crime, the alligator, the Night Heron, and spent shell casings found in the vehicle. The evidence was logged into the Jupiter temporary evidence storage facility. Charges were filed against all occupants for violations of the administrative code sections 68A-25.042(3)(a), 68A-25.042(3)(b), 68A-25-042(3)(d), 68A-25.042(3)(e), 68-25.042(3)(g), and 68A-16.001(1)(a).
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On February 11, 2023, an officer of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) was dispatched to investigate a report concerning three males allegedly shooting an alligator in the J.W. Corbett Wildlife Management Area. The report, made by an anonymous caller, described the suspects as three young adult Black males driving a white Toyota pickup truck. The vehicle was reported to be traveling west on North Grade, approximately three miles from the North entrance.
Upon arrival, the responding officer observed a vehicle matching the description driving west on North Grade, just past Campsite G. The vehicle was moving slowly, with all occupants appearing to look outside. The officer activated the emergency lights and conducted a traffic stop. Upon approaching the vehicle, the officer observed a deceased American Alligator and a migratory bird, later identified as a juvenile Night Heron, in the truck bed.
The officer identified themselves and inquired if the occupants were engaged in hunting. The male seated in the back responded that they were not hunting. He claimed that both the alligator and the bird had been given to them by someone. The officer explained that the alligator hunting season had ended and that hunting rules for alligators were very specific. The officer then requested identification from all occupants.
The driver of the vehicle was identified, and the front seat passenger was also identified. The backseat passenger was noted as well. Upon inspecting the deceased alligator, the officer noted several small-caliber bullet holes in its head. The juvenile Night Heron also had a small-caliber bullet hole in its head and a wounded wing. The officer asked the occupants if they had any weapons in the vehicle. Two occupants confirmed they had handguns, while the third occupant initially denied having any weapons. However, the third occupant later revealed a .22 caliber rifle with a scope hidden under his feet. All firearms were checked with dispatch and were not listed in NCIC/FCIC.
At approximately 1730 hours, additional officers arrived to assist. The officers separated the subjects for individual interviews. Miranda rights were read to each individual on camera. Initially, the subjects claimed that the alligator and the heron were given to them by an individual driving a white Jeep. However, after identifying inconsistencies in their statements and confronting them with evidence that the animals had been shot with ammunition similar to what was found in their possession, the subjects admitted their involvement. They confessed that all three of them had participated in the illegal shooting of the alligator and Night Heron. For further details, the body-worn camera footage of the interviews is available.
Evidence collected included the three firearms used in the crime, the alligator, the Night Heron, and spent shell casings found in the vehicle. The evidence was logged into the Jupiter temporary evidence storage facility. Charges were filed against all occupants for violations of the administrative code sections 68A-25.042(3)(a), 68A-25.042(3)(b), 68A-25-042(3)(d), 68A-25.042(3)(e), 68-25.042(3)(g), and 68A-16.001(1)(a).
Donny Rapture,POLICE WATCH,cops,bodycam,body camera,police,news law&crime network,code blue cam,police interaction,police officer,crime documentaries,crime documentary,dui,police activity,police videos,POLICE INSIDER,police insider uncut,first amendment audit,1st amendment audit,inside edition,corrupt cops caught on camera,cop,live pd,a&e,law and crime network,crime,law enforcement,donut operator,FWC,Fish And Wildlife,Hunting,Fishing
