Animal Control removes alligator, pit bulls; Waterford man cited

A 28-year-old Waterford Township man was cited for keeping exotic animals in his home and marijuana possession after police responded to a suspicious circumstances complaint on Wednesday, Oct. 3.

The man, who lives in the vicinity of West End and Boston, was apparently housing a 2.5-foot alligator in a basement.

Responding officers found the residence unlocked with the front door standing open, but were unable to make contact with anyone there.

While checking the interior of the home, police located the alligator in a wooden crate in the basement, along with four pit bulls, and two dozen marijuana plants nearby.

Shortly after police searched the home, a roommate of the man arrived. He contacted the homeowner, who showed up a little while later and reportedly admitted the alligator, pit bulls, and marijuana belonged to him.

He was issued citations for possession of marijuana; possession of drug paraphernalia; possession of pit bulls; and possession of prohibited exotic, rare or dangerous animals, and was released at the scene.

Oakland County Animal Control removed the alligator and pit bulls from the residence.