No Charges Over Death Of Alligator That Killed Texas Swimmer
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ORANGE, Texas (AP) - Texas wildlife officials will not pursue charges against a man who fatally shot an 11-foot alligator days after the reptile killed a swimmer.
The Texas Parks & Wildlife Department announced Thursday that the man, who had no permit to hunt alligators, was issued a warning.
The man, whose name wasn't released, told investigators that he killed the 400-pound gator because he feared for the safety of his family and others.
Tommie Woodward of Orange was mauled to death July 3 during a late-night swim in a marina. The alligator was killed Monday near where Woodward's maimed body was recovered. Some of Woodward's remains were inside the carcass.
Conviction for illegal harvest of an alligator carries a maximum fine of $500.
Woodward formerly was from the St. Louis area.
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