Editor's note: A previous version of this story stated police captured an alligator. SPCA officials said the animal is a caiman. This story has been updated with correct information.
BLUE ASH, Ohio -- The Blue Ash Police Department experienced a first Wednesday when they captured a caiman in the parking lot of a business.
Officers responded to the unlikely situation Wednesday after someone called and said they saw the animal wandering around Kenwood Road.
Though odd, Sgt. Allison Schile said the incident was “not too eventful,” and officers were able to capture the crocodilian in a snare pole. The caiman was turned over to the SPCA, Schile said.
With the help of the #BlueAsh PD, this injured #Caiman was brought to safety by our #AnimalControlOfficers. pic.twitter.com/BS65cel9Ut
— SPCA Cincinnati (@SPCACincinnati) June 14, 2017
Police do not know where the animal came from at this time, but SPCA said it was not especially unusual to see exotic animals in Greater Cincinnati. Typically, they say, those animals are pets. The caiman was treated for minor injuries, and SPCA now hopes its owner will step forward to collect it.
"We will hold the animal for a potential owner to claim," SPCA Cincinnati wrote on Facebook. "If not claimed, we will seek assistance for placement from local rehabilitators."
