A Central Florida sightseeing run veered straight into handcuffs over the weekend after officers say two tourists strapped a dead alligator to the roof of their car and hauled it across multiple communities.
Authorities say the vehicle was first spotted on U.S. Highway 192 after being seen earlier in Celebration and again near Harmony in St. Cloud, the gator lashed to the roof like the world's worst vacation souvenir. The men reportedly told officers they planned to take the animal to a taxidermist, then later threw a sheet over it after learning that keeping an alligator in Florida is illegal.
According to ClickOrlando, the suspects are Anthony Buhl, 56, of New York City, and March Wallin Chadwick, 57, of Chattanooga, Tennessee. Both were arrested Saturday on U.S. 192 near St. Johns Heritage Parkway in Melbourne. License plate readers tracked the car heading east, and officers say the alligator, described in reports as roadkill, was still on the roof when the vehicle was finally stopped.
The law and possible penalties
Florida law makes it illegal to intentionally kill, injure, possess, or capture an alligator without authorization. The prohibition is spelled out in Florida Statute 379.409. That section is treated as a Level Four violation under section 379.401, which means a conviction is a third-degree felony and can include confiscation of any equipment used in the offense.
How authorities say it unfolded
FWC arrest reports cited by ClickOrlando say the pair was first spotted driving through Celebration with the alligator clearly visible on the roof. A later license plate hit near Harmony in St. Cloud showed the same vehicle, this time with the animal covered by a white sheet.
When officers pulled the car over on U.S. 192, the men allegedly admitted that multiple people had already warned them that possessing an alligator is illegal. They also told officers they had called FWC dispatch to report they had gotten rid of the animal. Both men were charged with illegal killing, possessing or capturing of alligators or other crocodilia or eggs, and were released on bond and are scheduled for arraignment on April 28, 2026.
What residents should do
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission urges people not to handle or move alligators, no matter how dead they may appear. Instead, residents are asked to report nuisance animals to the Statewide Nuisance Alligator Program at 866-FWC-GATOR (866-392-4286), according to FWC. The agency says contracted nuisance trappers are dispatched when an alligator poses a threat and reiterates that taking or possessing an alligator without a permit is illegal and can lead to felony charges.
