Police find alligator inside apartment

New Haven, Conn. (WTNH) - Officers were surprised to find a 4-foot alligator inside a New Haven apartment.

Juan Romo called police around on Tuesday at 8:40pm to report that Patricia Reynoso was trying to enter his third floor apartment on Ferry Street.

Romo said Reynoso was upset, had tried to kick down his door, damaging the door and frame.

When officers arrived on the scene, Reynoso told them the argument was over money.

She also denied damaging the door. However, the evidence proved she had and she was arrested. Reynoso was charged with breach of peace, criminal trespassing and criminal mischief.

Police also found an alligator that was about 4-feet-long inside a cage. Romo claimed it was a family pet. Romo also keeps three dogs and a crab as pets.

Neighbors say they had no idea.

"I certainly didn't know," said Elaine Peters, "that's pretty dangerous and I'm an animal lover, advocate and those animals grow up and one [hand motion] and that's it."

Officers from the State Department of Energy and Environmental Protection responded and removed the reptile. It will be transferred to a wildlife sanctuary in Florida.

The DEEP will decide if Romo will be arrested for having such a pet.

The violation for "Category Two Wild Animal" includes the importation or possession of any wild animal or hybrid.  The animal is judged based on its physical characteristics, including size, strength, behavior, and in some cases, venomous nature, and if those qualities pose a threat to human safety.

Alligators, crocodiles, caimans and other similar animals are considered "Category Two Wild Animals".