North Hollywood is no stranger to unusual events. Ask Officer Brian Woods and his partner, Karima Tahir, who were impounding a vehicle when they observed some suspicious activity coming from the nearby residence. The occupant of the home continuously watched the actions of the officers. Each time the officers looked in his direction, the resident would quickly hide behind the bed sheet he used as a curtain. After a few times, it was very obvious to the officers they were being watched.

When the vehicle impound was finished, officers decided to conduct a follow up to the front door of the residence where they obtained consent to enter. As they did, they were introduced to Ziggy, the 5 ½ foot American Alligator who resided in the living room. The trained officers that they are, quickly left the location. Animal control was contacted and advised of their discovery.

The following day, an animal control officer was at the front desk of the NHWD police station requesting officers to respond with her to help pick up the alligator. It was her lucky day. She obtained assistance from Sgt. Dave Delgado, SLO Catalano and Acting SLO Jennifer Duvally. A plan was formulated prior to entering to location. Sgt Delgado gave great advice, don’t let it eat you and what ever you do, don’t shoot it.

Animal control officers obviously don’t take to many gators into custody and neither do we. The only tool we had was a pole with a loop of rope at the end, usually used to capture dogs.

The alligator was resting quietly and didn’t mind the audience. That was until John Catalano decided to place the rope around the alligator’s mouth and attempt to tighten it. The alligator became very upset; as do most people who have contact with Catalano. The fight was on. The gator was able to break free. The owner of the reptile now attempted to hold down the mouth of the gator closed while lifting it from the tank. The animal control officer assisted and the plan now was to run with Ziggy to the city truck parked outside with the cage door open. The gator continued to fight and it seemed like it was about to fall and run loose on the floor of the living room.

Water from the tank was splashing everywhere as the gator tried to break free. The only words spoken were by the male officers yelling “don’t drop that alligator”, over and over. It was at this point that Sgt Delgado decided to run; I mean retreat out the front door. I’m sure he was just clearing a path for Ziggy and his handlers to make it out safely. John Catalano was now standing between the front door and two people running at him with a 5 ½ foot gator, head first, in his direction. He decided to join Sgt Delgado.

Throughout this whole ordeal, Jen Duvally, was practically on top of Ziggy, trying to pet it and take photos with her phone. We have not seen Jen since this station call. Sgt. Delgado now owns a new pair of alligator shoes and John Catalano’s children believe he wrestled and beat a 20 foot alligator. The one that grows bigger every time he tells the story.

Any questions, comments or concerns should be forwarded to Officer Catalano at 32740@lapd.lacity.org  If you would like to receive crime statistics, crime updates and newsletters via e-mail, sign up at www.lapdepolicing.org