Alligators found at scene of suspected drug shooting
OLYMPIA, Wash. -- Sheriff's deputies found two 5-foot alligators at a marijuana grow site where a man was shot on Monday evening.
Thurston County sheriff's Lt. Greg Elwin said deputies responded to the scene in the Scott Lake area south of Olympia when a man called 911 to say he had shot another man.
The shooter told deputies that he fired in self defense, but investigators now believe otherwise.
Detectives say the victim had been doing maintenance work at the shooter's home, and there was a dispute, allegedly over paying for the work in cash and prescription drugs. The gunman, according to investigators, had threatened to fill the victim with holes.
After the shooting, the 30-year-old victim drove, bleeding, to his father's house nearby. Medics took him to Providence St. Peter Hospital where he is expected to recover.
The alleged gunman, identified as 41-year-old Darren C. Shore, was booked into jail for investigation of attempted murder.
Shore's mother was on hand as he appeared in court Tuesday. The woman said her son uses medical marijuana for crippling back pain and joint problems. She added the allegations don't make any sense.
"Darren's always been a kind person, and this it totally out of character for him," said Ellie Pierson-Sutter.
Elwin said the alligators found by deputies were likely being used to protect the drugs. The sheriff's office is working with county Animal Services to determine what will happen to the alligators.
Thurston County sheriff's Lt. Greg Elwin said deputies responded to the scene in the Scott Lake area south of Olympia when a man called 911 to say he had shot another man.
The shooter told deputies that he fired in self defense, but investigators now believe otherwise.
Detectives say the victim had been doing maintenance work at the shooter's home, and there was a dispute, allegedly over paying for the work in cash and prescription drugs. The gunman, according to investigators, had threatened to fill the victim with holes.
After the shooting, the 30-year-old victim drove, bleeding, to his father's house nearby. Medics took him to Providence St. Peter Hospital where he is expected to recover.
The alleged gunman, identified as 41-year-old Darren C. Shore, was booked into jail for investigation of attempted murder.
Shore's mother was on hand as he appeared in court Tuesday. The woman said her son uses medical marijuana for crippling back pain and joint problems. She added the allegations don't make any sense.
"Darren's always been a kind person, and this it totally out of character for him," said Ellie Pierson-Sutter.
Elwin said the alligators found by deputies were likely being used to protect the drugs. The sheriff's office is working with county Animal Services to determine what will happen to the alligators.
Doing maintenance work with crippling back pain? Â Yeah right.
Pets maybe?
Hey they are just "service animals" to help with my stress, back pain, sleeplessness, headaches.... fill in the bogus blank here _____________.
They don't look 5 feet to me. Someones exaggerating the story.
 @Anim8ed Oh I think they are 5 feet, that is a soaking tub in the foreground......... these are about the same size of some we had around our place in Charleston. If they got much bigger they were "moved".Â
So pit bulls have been replaced by alligators?
Dang! Forgot to drain the swamp again......
What a mistake, everyone knows you use iguanas to guard your pot.
Yeah I'm sure these guys were stoners. Alligators who they think may have been guarding the pot? I'm sure they probably had Crocodile Rock playing endlessly!
I highly doubt the gators were being used to protect the grow op. Interesting theory though.
 @Hachee_Bungwhy I know, I just cant think how helpful they could of been as defenders. More likely to cause damage than protect anything.
I hope they can find good homes for them.
Guard gators?
Those poor little babies couldn't protect anything!
 @Bob HÂ
At 5 feet, I'd say that had grown beyond the poor little babies stage. (:
There is a wonderful reptile zoo in Monroe, its small but pretty cool. All the animals are taken good care of. That would be a great place to bring the alligators.
@Just my say What a great idea! You should contact them directly with your suggestion. Otherwise, who knows what they will do.
So did the grow have a moat around it? I can't see how alligators could protect anything especially plants that they would trample over. Or were the plants being grown above/hydroponically over the alligator pool?Â
 @Beam_Me_Up LOL, I thought of a moat too! I guess these two weren't the sharpest tools in the shed!
Must be having a going out of business sale.
Okay I am going to say it. I thought Marijuana made you mellow??? The great spiritually enlightening, peace loveing, miracle drug.
 @missyk Well, I have a family member whose ex is a pot dealer.  He deals, but he does not use.  He's got other drugs he prefers to use instead.  Could be the case with this guy as well or he was using the MJ as well as some other drug...alcohol comes to mind.
 @stamperzann And your point is what?
Did the gators smoke?
@DDG  I recall a Cheech & Chong movie where an Iguana smoked a joint. So yes, it is realistic that the gators are smoking as well :)
 @path_tech Actually the lizard was what Stacy Keach turned into when he smoked some of the pot that Cheech and Chong were hauling unaware that the van they were driving was made from it [the pot]. Up in Smoke a classic.
I always wanted an alligator. The cat would probably move out, though.
 @Elvis Could be a little difficult to housebreak.
The cat would be his dinner.
 @DDG LOL...