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It was to save daughter, says gator's shooter
Associated Press
Published May 24, 2005
PENSACOLA - An Escambia High School dean charged with alligator poaching said he shot into the water to protect his daughter.
Michael Vann, 45, has been ordered to appear in court June 10 to face a felony charge. But he said a 4- to 5-foot gator charged his 9-year-old daughter while she was fishing about 400 feet from home, and it sank after he fired.
"It was something primal in a father's mind because it was obviously trying to attack my daughter, so I shot it," Vann said after his arrest Friday.
He said the alligator has been around his unfenced back yard near Bayou Marcus for nearly two weeks. He said he repeatedly tried to call state wildlife officers for help but couldn't get through.
Escambia schools superintendent Jim Paul said it is unlikely Vann will be asked to take a leave of absence.
"It doesn't seem like he's putting kids in danger. In fact, it seems like quite the opposite. We'll want him to stick closer to the schools," Paul said.
[Last modified May 24, 2005, 03:00:27]
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