Police: Man threw alligators into pool

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RIVIERA BEACH, Fla., Dec. 7 (UPI) -- Police in Florida said a man who threw two small alligators into his family pool was arrested after attacking his brother and threatening an officer.

Investigators said they were called Saturday night to the Riviera Beach home of Darrell Jones, 27, on a report of an alligator being thrown into a pool, The Palm Beach Post reported Wednesday.

Officers said they were greeted by Jones' brother, who had a cut on his forehead and told them Jones had attacked him with a knife when he called 911 because Jones had tossed two "small, live" alligators into the pool and the brother feared for the safety of his nephews.

Jones was taken to Columbia Hospital for medical treatment for unspecified injuries and while at the hospital he allegedly repeatedly threatened an officer, saying "he better wear his bullet-proof vest because when gets out of jail he was going to put one in him," the arrest affidavit states.

Jones allegedly punched the officer in the shoulder at some point, police said.

Jones was charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, battery, battery on a police officer, possession of an American alligator and threatening a public servant.

The alligators were removed from the property.