Florida man arrested after hiding live alligator in his truck, deputies say Michael Marolla had animal inside an open plastic tub in bed of his pickup, along with two firearms, deputies say
Michael Marolla (Collier County Sheriff's Office)
COLLIER COUNTY, Fla. – Deputies found a live baby alligator inside a truck during a traffic stop Friday near 12th Street Southeast and Golden Gate Boulevard, the Collier County Sheriff’s Office said via Facebook.
Deputies said Michael Marolla, 31, had the animal inside an open plastic tub in the bed of the pickup, along with two firearms.
[TRENDING: WATCH LIVE: Axiom, SpaceX sending 1st private crew to space station | 2022 hurricane season expected to be busy for Florida | Become a News 6 Insider (it’s free!) ]
Around 12:30 a.m., deputies conducted a traffic stop on a GMC Sierra pickup after they recognized the driver from previous law enforcement encounters as having a suspended license.
In addition to the alligator and the firearms, deputies also found syringes loaded with methamphetamine in Marolla’s jacket.
Police then arrested Marolla, who now faces two counts of carrying a concealed firearm and possession of a controlled substance.
CCSO notified the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission about the gator, and wildlife officers responded to investigate.
Copyright 2022 by WKMG ClickOrlando - All rights reserved.
About the Author Gui Leal started with ClickOrlando.com in January 2022.
Ocoee woman accused of sending sexual videos of 13-year-old to prison inmate ▶ 1:04
Ocoee woman accused of sending sexual videos of 13-year-old to prison inmate
Central Florida congestion woes increase as construction goes on ▶ 1:03
Central Florida congestion woes increase as construction goes on
‘Breath of fresh air:’ Neighbors relieved as Brevard County condemns home of woman who dumped feces in yards ▶ 0:50
‘Breath of fresh air:’ Neighbors relieved as Brevard County condemns home of woman who dumped feces in yards
Man accused of dumping missing Brevard County woman’s body after sex, fatal overdose in 2023 ▶ 0:55
Man accused of dumping missing Brevard County woman’s body after sex, fatal overdose in 2023
See the moment a plane crashes into a car on I-95 in Brevard ▶ 0:41
See the moment a plane crashes into a car on I-95 in Brevard
Florida’s bear hunt is underway, but FWC is not actively saying how many have been killed ▶ 0:52
Florida’s bear hunt is underway, but FWC is not actively saying how many have been killed
Universal altered report about roller coaster death after state agency intervened ▶ 1:20
Universal altered report about roller coaster death after state agency intervened
ADA compliance lawsuits hit Central Florida businesses, raising concerns about accessibility and legal challenges ▶ 1:13
ADA compliance lawsuits hit Central Florida businesses, raising concerns about accessibility and legal challenges
‘Not in our backyard:’ Gas plant to power cruise ships could be built near Merritt Island neighborhood ▶ 0:53
‘Not in our backyard:’ Gas plant to power cruise ships could be built near Merritt Island neighborhood
Residents split on new Celery Avenue speed tables in Seminole County ▶ 0:44
Residents split on new Celery Avenue speed tables in Seminole County
Prosecutor pinned for ‘oversight’ after man accused in Orlando jogging attack takes plea deal ▶ 0:55
Prosecutor pinned for ‘oversight’ after man accused in Orlando jogging attack takes plea deal
Bane scores 37 to lead the Orlando Magic past the Heat in the NBA Cup quarterfinals ▶ 0:39
Bane scores 37 to lead the Orlando Magic past the Heat in the NBA Cup quarterfinals
New Smyrna Beach faces final vote on ‘pedal pubs’ amid concerns ▶ 0:27
New Smyrna Beach faces final vote on ‘pedal pubs’ amid concerns
Florida homeowners fight rising lot rents as park owners avoid mediation ▶ 0:23
Florida homeowners fight rising lot rents as park owners avoid mediation
6 Things to do this weekend (12/6 - 12/7) ▶ 1:00
6 Things to do this weekend (12/6 - 12/7)
Rollins College student arrested after rifle, ammunition found on school property, police say ▶ 1:23
Rollins College student arrested after rifle, ammunition found on school property, police say
Orlando pastry chef brings Brazilian flavors to Food Network’s ‘Holiday Baking Championship’ ▶ 1:03
Orlando pastry chef brings Brazilian flavors to Food Network’s ‘Holiday Baking Championship’
🌳Discover the Orlando Tree Trek Adventure Park: Family-friendly aerial adventure minutes from Disney ▶ 1:16
🌳Discover the Orlando Tree Trek Adventure Park: Family-friendly aerial adventure minutes from Disney
‘Stand Your Ground’ cited after fatal Seminole County shooting stems from apparent road rage ▶ 0:49
‘Stand Your Ground’ cited after fatal Seminole County shooting stems from apparent road rage
Tavares eyes fines, permits for garage sale violations ▶ 0:48
Tavares eyes fines, permits for garage sale violations
Central Florida’s newest Trader Joe’s is officially open!🛒✨ ▶ 0:48
Central Florida’s newest Trader Joe’s is officially open!🛒✨
A Door Dash driver uses the 5-second rule on some unknowing customers. It’s caught on a doorbell camera. ▶ 1:26
A Door Dash driver uses the 5-second rule on some unknowing customers. It’s caught on a doorbell camera.
A Door Dash driver uses the 5-second rule on some unknowing customers. It’s caught on a doorbell camera. ▶ 1:26
A Door Dash driver uses the 5-second rule on some unknowing customers. It’s caught on a doorbell camera.
1 injured in Sanford house fire ▶ 0:47
1 injured in Sanford house fire
Secret Service launches crackdown on EBT fraud, targets credit card skimmers ▶ 0:35
Secret Service launches crackdown on EBT fraud, targets credit card skimmers
Previous photo Next photo 