posted July 18, 2004 05:10 PM         

Strange News - AP


Man Accused of Hitting Woman With Gator

Sun Jul 18, 5:55 AM ET

PORT ORANGE, Fla. - A man hit his girlfriend with a 3-foot alligator and threw beer bottles at her during an argument in the couple's mobile home, authorities said.

David Havenner, 41, was ordered held without bond Saturday on misdemeanor charges of battery and possession of an alligator.

The alligator, which Havenner had been keeping in his bathtub, was turned over to Florida wildlife officials.

Nancy Monico, 39, told investigators that Havenner beat her with his fists, then grabbed the alligator and swung it at her as she tried to escape, sheriff's spokesman Gary Davidson said. She said the animal hit her at least once. She also told authorities that Havenner threw empty beer bottles at her, Davidson said.

Havenner's version of the story differed. He told investigators that Monico bit his hand because she was upset that they had run out of alcohol.

juniperb

posted July 18, 2004 05:18 PM         

I could not believe this ridiculous story showed up on the front page of our newspaper this morning. I mean, come on! the front page?! sheesh. (rolling eyes big)