OLYMPIA, Washington -- Sheriff’s deputies responding to a shooting Monday night near Olympia discovered a marijuana grow operation that was being protected by two alligators.
The Thurston County Sheriff’s Office said it started as a dispute between the 41-year-old suspect and a 30-year-old acquaintance, possibly related to a failed drug deal.
The 30-year-old was shot twice. He was taken to Providence St. Peter Hospital for minor gunshot wounds and released Tuesday morning.
Deputies said the 41-year-old told them he had fired in self-defense. He was arrested on investigation of attempted first-degree murder.
Investigators found evidence of a marijuana grow operation and two five-foot long alligators, apparently meant to protect the pot.
The sheriff’s office and animal services are working to determine what to do with the alligators.
