A man in Florida, who stole a young alligator from a mini-golf course, stomped on it and tried to throw it onto the roof of a building to “teach it a lesson”, was arrested. He has been charged with five offenses.

Also read: Slithery surprise: Woman finds 18 snakes hiding in her bedroom

 Identified as William “Bubba” Hodge, the 32-year-old stole the young reptile from a tourist attraction in Daytona Beach Shores, the local police said, as per the New York Post. The Daytona Beach Shores Department of Public Safety (DBSDPS) spotted a young man carrying the animal down the street. He was also seen trying to throw the alligator onto the roof of a nearby shop and slamming it on the ground by its tail.

Also read: 5 animals that scientists brought back from the brink of extinction

When asked why as throwing the alligator in the air by its tail, Hodge told cops he was “teaching it a lesson,” the arrest report shows, according to the New York Post. Hodge immediately surrendered. He admitted that he hopped a fence to an alligator enclosure at Congo River Golf in Daytona Beach and stole the beast. The arrest was made around 3 AM local time, FOX 35 reported.

Also Read: Finland rallies to save one of the world’s most endangered seals

“Hodge was charged with five offenses, including the felonies of Animal Cruelty, Possession/Injury of an Alligator, and Burglary,” a Facebook post by DBSDPS said.

The animal was safely returned to Congo River Golf. 

Also Read: Mouse declared extinct 150 years ago found on an isolated island

“The alligator was returned to management of Congo River Golf from where Hodge claimed to have stolen it after a brief wrestling match,” the Daytona Beach Shores Department of Public Safety said in a statement. 

Also Read: World’s smallest hog released into wild in India

They posted a photograph on Facebook, showing the alligator on the alligator on a sidewalk as officers took the accused into custody. The gator is expected to survive, WESH reported.

The accused is now in custody at the Volusia County Jail. “His bond is set at $4,500, online records show. It’s unclear if he’s hired an attorney who could speak on his behalf,” The New York Post reported.