Police shoot concrete alligator

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INDEPENDENCE, Mo., June 2 (UPI) -- A police officer in Independence, Mo., who thought he was killing an alligator on the loose, discovered he had shot a life-size concrete lawn ornament.

The police department ended up apologizing to Rick Sheridan, the cement gator's owner, WDAF-TV, Kansas City, reported. Sheridan said he heard gunfire as he worked in his garage last weekend and went out to investigate, discovering several police officers with their guns drawn.

"The officer fired two rounds, and killed my concrete, ornamental alligator," Sheridan said.

The police department said a man called to report his children had seen an alligator. The department checked with state conservation officials and were told they should kill the animal if they could find it.

Sheridan said Wednesday he has found the alligator to be more effective than "No Trespassing" signs at keeping strangers from wandering onto his property. He said vandals simply rip the signs down.