A Florida police officer went beyond the usual “serve and protect” duties this week—adding “deliver” to the motto when he stepped in to complete a pizza delivery after the original driver was too scared to approach a house with an 8-foot alligator blocking the driveway.
Gator vs. Pizza: A Wild Florida Delivery
The bizarre incident took place in Bradenton, a suburb of Sarasota, when local authorities were called about a massive alligator lurking under a parked car in a residential neighborhood.
Officer Tolson, who responded to the scene, immediately contacted Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) officials to handle the reptile. But before they could arrive, another unexpected guest showed up—a pizza deliverywoman with an order for the house where the gator was waiting.
Delivery Driver Calls for Backup
The delivery driver stopped on the street and, after seeing the menacing gator, hesitated to approach the house. Officer Tolson suggested she could try delivering the pizza through the back entrance, but she was too terrified and instead asked him to do it.
Being a true public servant, Tolson agreed—taking on an unexpected role as a pizza delivery guy.
Customer Nearly Walks Into Danger
Meanwhile, inside the house, the woman who placed the pizza order had no idea what was happening outside. One of her neighbors called to warn her, telling her not to go out front—but before she could be stopped, she opened the door and nearly walked right into the alligator’s path.
