Florida Man Tries to Rob Bank with Alligator, Surprised When Plan Fails

MIAMI — A robbery attempt went sideways when 38-year-old Kevin Hartwell entered a Wells Fargo branch holding a 3-foot alligator and shouting “This is a robbery, this gator will bite!” Witnesses report the alligator appeared “confused and uninterested,” eventually performing what the police report describes as “a lazy barrel roll” before falling asleep. Hartwell was arrested while trying to wake the reptile by gently poking it. “The alligator was completely uncooperative,” said Detective James Wilson. “It basically just wanted a nap. Mr. Hartwell seemed personally offended by this.” Bank employees initially thought it was a prank until Hartwell began shouting at the alligator to “show them you mean business.” Security footage shows Hartwell attempting to prop the alligator up against the counter multiple times. The alligator, dubbed “Sleepy” by responding officers, was returned to its natural habitat and is reportedly doing fine. Hartwell faces multiple charges including attempted robbery, animal cruelty, and weapons violations. His public defender described the case as “challenging.”