Alligator 'taken into custody' for loitering, trespassing at Sunset Beach police station

Police at Sunset Beach had an interesting start to the day when one officer found an alligator was taking up a parking spot.

Sunset Beach Police Department personnel were arriving at the office Monday morning when one officer say a very large object in one of the parking spaces that was actually an eight-foot male alligator.

Officers at Sunset Beach say they are often dispatched to animal control calls but have never been a part of one in their own parking lot.

An officer who is licensed with the NC Wildlife Resources Commission was able to remove the alligator and take it to a nearby pond.

The police department said it served as a reminder for everyone to always be aware of their surroundings.

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