(submitted police photos)
Press release
On Monday, July 16, 2018, Officers from the City of Batavia Police Department responded to the area of 11 Lehigh Avenue for a 911 hang up call plotting to the general area. Upon arrival Officers found no signs of distress and checked the building located at 11 Lehigh Avenue for any signs of a disturbance.
Officers located an open door to the building and checked the interior to ensure that there were no problems inside the building itself or anyone in need of assistance. During the search of the interior of the building officers located a large make-shift aquarium that contained a 4-foot-long alligator. Officers immediately notified the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation and EnCon Officer Wilson arrived on scene a short time later. The alligator was captured and turned over to EnCon Officer Wilson. It was determined that the 911 hang up call was not related to the found alligator.
Residents are reminded that the possession or sale of alligators and other dangerous animals is a violation of the New York State Environmental Conservation Law. Not only is it illegal to possess such an animal, but they are dangerous and should not be harbored by anyone without specific training and the appropriate licensing or permits.
If anyone has any information regarding this animal or knows of anyone harboring such a dangerous animal, they should contact the DEC Region 8 office at (585) 226-2466. This investigation was turned over the DEC, any requests for further information should be directed to DEC Region 8 press contact Regina Willis at (585) 226-5324 or pressoffice@dec.ny.gov.