New Haven officers responding to a minor dispute got a surprise when they found a 4-foot alligator living as a family pet inside a city apartment, police said Wednesday.
Officers were called to the Ferry Street apartment Tuesday night when a resident reported that an acquaintance was trying to kick down his door in a dispute about money.
Once that woman was arrested, the officers turned their attention to the other pressing matter at hand: the 4-foot American alligator they spotted living inside the apartment, which is located in one of New Haven's most densely populated neighborhoods.
Although it is not illegal to own alligators, state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection spokesman Dwayne Gardner said Wednesday it is "strongly discouraged" because of their potential size, strength and temperament.
DEEP wildlife officers came to the apartment Tuesday night at the request of New Haven police to remove the alligator, which the resident willingly relinquished. Gardner said Wednesday it would be moved to a wildlife sanctuary in Florida, and the owner is not expected to face charges unless officials determine it was subjected to cruel treatment or endangered anyone.
More here:

Read more: Police Find 4-Foot Alligator In Connecticut Apartment | Fox News