Florida Police Put Bite On 'Alligator' Wrestler

MIAMI, FL — Florida police have put the bite on an 18-year-old man who was seen on cellphone video wrestling a decorative alligator at a Miami shopping mall water feature.

Gianny Sosa-Hernandez of Cutler Bay was charged Monday with criminal mischief $1,000 or more following the March 30 stunt at The Falls, which is an open-air shopping center along SW 136th Street.

He was already in hot water from a different incident at Miami Senior Southridge High School in which he could be seen attempting a wrestling move on his principal, Humberto Miret, who was the 2018 Miami-Dade County principal of the year.

"It’s unfortunate that anyone would instigate a situation for self-promotion that could bring harm to others," said a spokesperson from Miami-Dade schools following the incident involving the principal. "Instances of disruptive and threatening behavior will be handled swiftly and result in severe consequences. In addition to an arrest, the student’s lack of judgment will result in disciplinary actions in accordance with our Code of Student Conduct."

Sosa-Hernandez can be seen on the shopping center video removing his hoodie and jumping over a wooden pedestrian barrier, grabbing the fake alligator and plopping it down into the water treatment surrounded by large rocks and tropical plants.

Patch is not showing the video because it includes extensive profanity. But WPLG TV published the video in its report.

At one point, Sosa-Hernandez shouted "RKO," referring to a wrestling move made famous by professional wrestler Randal Keith Orton.

"He pretended to wrestle the alligator and later posted the video on social media platforms," explained Detective Argemis Colome of the Miami-Dade Police Department.

The video also shows the man pinning the alligator on its back while another person off camera shouted a three-count.

Police weren't amused.

"Sosa-Hernandez damaged the display alligator, valued at $3,690," Colome said. "The mall manager confirmed the video was recorded inside the mall. Sosa-Hernandez has been arrested and charged accordingly."

Miami-Dade police said that Sosa-Hernandez apologized for the stunt.

To report a tip, call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS (8477) or 866-471-8477; Visit www.crimestoppersmiami.com and select "Give a Tip," or text CSMD followed by the tip to 274637.