Alligator mauls Florida man hiding from police

A FLORIDA man who ran from police after being stopped in his car was apprehended by an unlikely foe - an alligator.

An American alligator similar to this attacked Mr Zuniga. Picture: Public Domain

Bryan Zuniga was pulled over by a Pinellas County policeman in the early hours of Thursday morning, but decided to attempt an escape via a nearby fence.

Authorities say Zuniga hid behind a local water treatment plant, where he was attacked by the reptile and left with injuries to his arm and face.

The man presented himself at nearby St Petersburg General Hospital later in the morning. According to police, Zuniga claimed he was “watching fish jump when he fell in and was attacked by an alligator.”

Mr Zuniga's police mugshot. Picture: Pinellas County Sheriffs Office

Officers from Pinellas County were called in when St Petersburg police realised Zuniga was the man their colleagues were searching for.

Zuniga was released from hospital, and taken to Pinellas County Jail on charges of breaking or injuring fences, fleeing and eluding, driving with a suspended or revoked license and resisting an officer without violence. He is being held in lieu of bail.