Dead alligators seized in Walmart shoplifting case

Will Greenlee | Treasure Coast Newspapers

Show Caption Hide Caption Alligators are on the move in Florida- mating season Florida's alligators are more active and territorial during mating season.

FORT PIERCE — A Monday report of shoplifting at a Walmart turned into the recovery of two dead alligators, an arrest affidavit states.

Fort Pierce Police just before 5 p.m. went to the Walmart in the 5100 block of Okeechobee Road and spoke to a loss prevention officer.

More: Alligator season produced some giants in 2018

She said a man identified as Christian Elmore, 25, absconded with fishing gear. The loss prevention officer reported Elmore put the items in the back of his vehicle.

Elmore agreed to give the merchandise back. When he opened the trunk of his silver Toyota police saw the two dead alligators and the Walmart items.

The stolen items were valued at $232.37.

More: Sharks and gators sometimes go tooth-to-tooth along the Florida coast

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officers took the dead alligators, the report states.

Elmore, of the 13200 block of Orange Avenue in Fort Pierce, was arrested on two felony counts related to killing or possessing alligators and a single misdemeanor theft charge.

Elmore was released from the St. Lucie County Jail Monday on $8,250 bond, a jail official said.