A 10-foot alligator has been ‘arrested’ by cops after it brought traffic to a standstill during an unexpected sunbathing session.
The massive 400lbs gator, fondly nicknamed Pepe, was caught “chilling and snapping” in the middle of the road.
Baffled drivers were forced to slow down or stop altogether as the giant reptile lounged across the double yellow lines.
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Officers at the scene said they detained the creature on “Suspicion of Being a Dinosaur Without Proper Papers, Public Loitering with Intent to Sunbathe, and Obstructing Traffic”.
It took several local deputies and officers from the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission to carefully wrangle the prehistoric-looking creature off the tarmac.
Thankfully, no one was hurt during the bizarre encounter, as reported by What’s The Jam.
The scaly suspect was eventually relocated to a safer and more gator-friendly location, far from the roads and drivers.
In a post on the Onslow County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page, officials said they slapped Pepe with some tongue-in-cheek charges.
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The post read: “Onslow County Deputies nab offender with ‘Scaly Intentions’.
“On Wednesday, May 28, 2025, deputies in Onslow County and officers with NC Wildlife Resources Commission wrangled this prehistoric perp off the pavement today after he was caught loitering near the double yellow line on Old 30 Road.
“Witnesses say he was just chilling and snapping, clearly ignoring the ‘no loitering or lounging on roadways’ sign.
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“Pepe the Gator, 350-400 lbs, and almost 10 feet in length, has been cited for Suspicion of Being a Dinosaur Without Proper Papers, Public Loitering with Intent to Sunbathe, and Obstructing Traffic.
“Deputies reported no injuries, unless you count his pride when the gator refused to be cuffed.
“We’re told the gator has been safely relocated – and no, he didn’t get to ride shotgun.”
The post got more than 3,400 likes on Facebook and was shared 3,000 times.
Anna Peake wrote: “I’m so weak the one in the glasses is having the time of his life.”
Emily Oquin said: “#FreePepe my homie did nothing wrong!”
And Ry Downing commented: “Whoever wrote this caption needs a raise!”
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