ORLANDO, Fla. – In an unusual turn of events on Tuesday night, officers from the Orlando Police Department were called to an apartment complex on Lake Debra Drive to deal with an unexpected visitor—a sizable alligator.

Responding to reports of a “dangerous animal,” officers arrived to find a 5-foot-6-inch alligator leisurely positioned in the hallway of the complex. This surprising scene prompted a swift and careful response from the officers on duty.

In a display of professionalism and composure, the officers managed to safely capture the reptile, ensuring no harm came to either the alligator or themselves. Following protocol, they promptly released the creature back into its natural habitat at Lake Mann.

The police department shared a video capturing the entire encounter, illustrating the officers’ adept handling of the situation. “This incident is a reminder that our officers never know what they’ll encounter on a call, but they are always prepared to get the job done,” stated the department’s release, highlighting the unpredictable nature of police work.

The full video, which offers a closer look at the officers’ effective management of the unusual scenario, is available at the beginning of this report.

The full video of the encounter can be found at the top of this story.