OLDSMAR, Fla. (AP) - Pinellas County deputies have handcuffed a most unusual suspect - a 7-ft alligator.

A Tampa area school crossing guard spotted the gator lounging near an elementary school Monday morning around the time children would be walking to school.

As she and three deputies waited for a trapper to arrive the alligator started walking toward the children. Three deputies roped the gator's neck and tail as the animal rolled and thrashed, it's tail breaking off chunks of stucco from a nearby wall.

Deputies later secured the gator's mouth with electrical tape and handcuffed its hind legs. Florida Fish and Wildlife officials took custody of the animal until the trapper arrived.