10-foot gator chomps on Fla. deputy's cruiser

[May 04, 2011]  GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) -- A 10-foot-long alligator has taken a bite out of a Florida deputy sheriff's cruiser.

Authorities say Alachua County Deputy Victor Borrero spotted the gator Saturday evening near the Gainesville Golf and Country Club. It attacked the patrol car while the deputy was waiting for an alligator trapper to show up.

Sheriff's spokesman Todd Kelly says the car's front bumper was heavily damaged.

A Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission spokeswoman said the alligator was put down under the state's nuisance gator policy. Under that policy, the trapper is allowed to keep meat and hide from the gator.

[Associated Press]

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