Alleged Baby Gator Heisters Arrested

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — New Orleans police say they've arrested the men accused of stealing 10 baby alligators from the Audubon Zoo.

Police say 29-year-old Rodney L. Thornton was arrested after an officer saw him trying the doors of parked cars Wednesday night. A news release says Thornton ran, dropping a gun, when the officer approached.

Once he'd been stopped, police checked his record and learned he was accused of taking baby alligators from a gift-shop display aquarium early July 4.

Police say 20-year-old Kawayne Powell surrendered Wednesday morning and was booked with possessing stolen property — the alligators.

They say Thornton was booked with illegal possession of the alligators, armed robbery, attempted armed robbery, tampering, resisting a police officer, and possessing a firearm after a felony conviction.