Man Investigated in Alligator Hoax

A Colorado man has acknowledged that he called media outlets to report that a 7-foot alligator had been captured at a Los Angeles lake -- a report that turned out to be a hoax.

Alamosa County Sheriff Dave Stong said Friday that James Solvig is under investigation on suspicion of criminal impersonation. No charges have been filed.

The alligator, known as “Reggie,” was dumped in a Harbor City lake several months ago. It has avoided all attempts at capture, including efforts made last month by Jay Young.

Solvig told Associated Press on Wednesday that he made the call but that he didn’t know the information was incorrect and that Young had asked him to do it.

Young denied asking Solvig to make the call.