Eight-foot gator takes bite out of La. deputy’s cruiser

Deputies attempted to contain a gator that was spotted in the middle of a highway, but the animal proved to be too quick for them

June 13, 2019 09:52 AM

Rebecca Hennes
Houston Chronicle

SHREVEPORT, La. — Deputies with the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office in Shreveport said they were unable to apprehend a dangerous “suspect” Monday.

The suspect - an eight-foot alligator - was spotted in the middle of Hwy. 1 in the hills of north Caddo Parish, deputies said in a Facebook post. While waiting for wildlife experts, deputies attempted to contain the gator themselves, but the animal proved too quick for them.

Before escaping, the gator took a huge bite out of a patrol deputy’s car, removing part of the front fender.

The toothy suspect is still on the run.

Alligators spotted around the Houston area are not uncommon during this time of year, according to officials with the Texas Parks & Wildlife. Earlier this month a large gator was found on the front porch of a home in Cinco Ranch, while a five-foot alligator was found swimming in floodwaters at U.S. Highway 90 near the Katy Veterinary Clinic last month.

Residents who come across the animals should not approach them, officials said.

https://www.facebook.com/caddosheriff/posts/2305263109565551?__xts__[0]=68.ARAgbgFxB-OsH4WXZqIB1G5uqeEBqTfMDc6Vf7vZJFzrb8Za9WIzT9et7UVskXETOSQ8-SAkVeIulVU4WyKpTlWBdoX9GrHPqNHmWLuwxqSUSHil3nzFsGa5GcxWN2dZ1j6DEKiBbSF3jIfMI-lmO1hLfc9wJuoIRsSRCCwO5M43RBLDLyC_HK95WtA9Dswp-mKj5q3zMfoj15uRhBZ6zUEWWhVeLbvinmgWBkj6kmPNkldjvqUnlM1rFwf1gs0Ut0Y_BG-uxtUtDSjoKqvUh8oINiyByzgG-SsPP3YgWbphzfUGfNT8xY2PGnHGbFJzRCw6C9OdfZuRb50SPqBHxx5M0g&__tn__=-R

———