Florida cop delivers pizza after catching large gator on camera in customer’s driveway

A Florida woman received an unexpected surprise when a police officer delivered her pizza after an eight-foot alligator was found hiding under a vehicle in her driveway. The Bradenton Police Department shared a video of the encounter, showing Officer Tolson responding to the call and ensuring the safety of both the woman and the alligator. The officer can be heard instructing a terrified pizza delivery person to go around to the back of the house, while reassuring her that she would be safe as long as the alligator remained underneath the car. The woman, despite being scared, handed the pizza and receipt to Tolson and was told to stay inside due to the dangerous situation.

As the woman opened her front door to see the commotion, Tolson quickly warned her to stay inside as there was an alligator lurking underneath her car. The woman expressed shock and disbelief at the sight of the large reptile in her driveway. Tolson directed her to go back inside the house for her safety, while assuring her that he would bring the pizza around to the back door. The woman, still in disbelief, asked about her pizza and handed cash to Tolson as he arrived at the back door. Despite the unusual circumstances, the exchange between the woman and the officer was calm and collected, with the woman surprised to find out that the police had been called to deal with the situation.

After the exchange of payment for the pizza, the woman expressed her desire to take a picture of the alligator under her car. The officer accommodated her request and took a photo of the giant reptile on her phone before eventually having the alligator safely removed from the property. The entire encounter between the woman, the delivery driver, and Officer Tolson was captured on body camera footage and shared by the Bradenton Police Department, showcasing the unusual but light-hearted interaction. Despite the potentially dangerous situation, the officer handled the incident with professionalism and reassurance, ensuring the safety of all involved.

The presence of alligators in Florida is not uncommon, especially in residential areas close to water sources. While encounters with these large reptiles can be intimidating, it is important for residents to be aware of the risks and take precautions to avoid dangerous situations. In this particular case, the quick thinking and response of Officer Tolson prevented any harm to the woman, the delivery person, or the alligator. The humorous aspect of a police officer delivering pizza due to the presence of an alligator added a unique twist to what could have been a more serious incident.

Instances of wildlife encounters in urban areas serve as a reminder of the need to coexist with nature safely. Residents in Florida and other regions with similar wildlife populations should be mindful of their surroundings and take necessary precautions to prevent potentially dangerous encounters. The story of the Florida woman receiving a pizza delivery from a police officer due to an alligator in her driveway highlights the importance of remaining calm and seeking assistance from trained professionals in handling such situations. Officer Tolson’s quick thinking and level-headed response ensured a positive outcome for everyone involved.