Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

File photo. navarvel via Flickr/Creative Commons

Suspected burglar killed by alligator 'while hiding from police'

Matthew Riggins was found with injuries that were consistent with an alligator attack.

POLICE IN THE United States say a man who may have hidden as officers investigated reports of two suspicious men in a Florida community targeted by recent burglaries was killed by a three-metre-long alligator.

Local police say 22-year-old Matthew Riggins told his girlfriend he would be in Barefoot Bay to commit burglaries with another suspect.

Authorities received calls on 13 November about two suspicious men in black walking behind homes and investigated. Riggins was reported missing the next day.

Brevard County Sheriff’s Major Tod Goodyear said police divers recovered Riggins’ body 10 days later in a nearby lake and the injuries were consistent with an alligator attack.

Authorities said Riggins had drowned and the alligator, which behaved aggressively toward divers, was trapped and euthanised.

Florida Today reports a second person has been taken into custody.

Read: Think otters are cute? Here’s one eating an alligator for lunch >

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

Close
20 Comments
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.
    JournalTv
    News in 60 seconds