MDWFP says alligator torso, two .22 rifles found in subjects’ truck
Four people were arrested Saturday (Aug. 27) for allegedly killing an alligator on the Pearl River, the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks said today (Aug. 31).
Arrested were Spencer Allan Pell of Vicksburg, Johnny B. Dow of Crystal Springs, Michael Dwayne Easterling, and Christian Collins both from Wesson, the MDWFP said.
Each of the suspects were booked with illegal possession of an alligator and illegally killing an alligator, the agency said.
The arrests came after conservation officers received information on an alleged illegal killing of an alligator on the Pearl River in Copiah County near the Lawrence County line, the MDWFP news release revealed.
Officers patrolling around midnight pulled over a suspicious vehicle and allegedly discovered the torso of an alligator in the back of the truck.
The MDWFP said its officers also found blood on the subjects’ clothing and two .22-caliber rifles in the truck with spent shell casings.
The arrests followed an extensive investigation during which two of those believed involved apparently confessed, the MDWFP said.
Illegal killing of an alligator is a Class I misdemeanor, carrying a maximum fine of $5,000, loss of hunting and fishing privileges for not less than one year, and five days in county jail.
Illegal possession an alligator is a Class II misdemeanor, which carries a maximum fine of $500.
Be the first to comment