PD: Alligator, 2 naked suspects found in Tempe burglary

TEMPE, AZ - Tempe police say two burglary suspects and the victim were all arrested after a bizarre incident that later involved finding a two-foot long alligator.

Sgt. Jeff Glover with Tempe police said it all started with a vehicle burglary call around 3 a.m. Monday near Southern Avenue and Priest Drive.

The victim, 29-year-old Anthony Burton, confronted the two burglary suspects, 18-year-old Anthony Gammon and 20-year-old Alberto Rosciano, said Glover.

Burton approached them in the apartment complex parking lot with a handgun and forced the suspects into his apartment, Glover said.

Burton then made the suspects strip off all their clothing to make sure they didn’t have anymore stolen items on them, Glover said.

Gammon and Rosciano were then told to leave naked, he said.

The suspects got into their vehicle without any clothes.

Witnesses reported the incident and gave descriptions on all the people involved, Glover said.

Gammon and Rosciano were then stopped near Rural Road and the US 60.

Police confirmed they were involved in the burglary and were still without clothes when they were arrested.

Tempe police officers then got in touch with Burton at his apartment. They reportedly discovered Burton had marijuana, several items of drug paraphernalia, and a live two-foot Caiman alligator, Glover said.

Burton admitted to having the illegal drugs, and he said he bought the alligator on the internet from a Florida company.

Gammon and Rosciano were arrested for 3rd degree burglary, possession of burglary tools, misconduct involving weapons, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Burton was arrested for possession of marijuana, drug paraphernalia, and possession of live wildlife.

The alligator was unharmed and later turned over to the Arizona Herpetological Society.

 "He is cute now but soon he will grow to be unmanageable" said Herpetological Curator Daniel Marchand.  "When that happens people let them go in ponds and streams and they become a problem to the public."