Alligator Sighting: Victor Crowell Park CLOSED for Public Safety

The Middlesex Borough Police Department is working in conjunction with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Fish & Wildlife Conservation Police Officers in an effort to relocate an alligator, estimated to be three to four feet in length, which has been seen in the waters of Lake Creighton, commonly known as the Duck Pond, and the Ambrose Brook, which is a conduit between the lake and the Raritan River.

Police officers responded to Victor Crowell Park on Wednesday, August 23, 2023 and made attempts to capture and remove the threat from the potentially dangerous species of non-indigenous reptile, which is capable of inflicting serious or fatal injuries. The alligator was again located by officers on Saturday night in Lake Creighton and later in the Ambrose Brook, however the area in which it was located was not accessible to make capture feasible. Because the threat to public safety that this reptile causes is significant, a Middlesex Police Officer employed a safe discharge from a firearm in an attempt to neutralize it, while in close proximity. The alligator immediately submerged into the brook and it was unconfirmed if the attempt was successful.

Chief Matthew P. Geist stated, "Citizens are strongly urged to stay away from Creighton Lake and the Ambrose Brook and should NOT approach or make attempts to capture the alligator. They should contact the Middlesex Borough Police Department at 732-356-1900 if the reptile is observed in the area. Our police officers, along with officers from the NJ Division of Fish & Wildlife Conservation Police have been monitoring the lake and the Ambrose Brook in attempts to locate the reptile and will take all means necessary to resolve this situation. These are the law enforcement partnerships we count on to help protect our community from this potential threat to the public health." There are unconfirmed reports through media outlets that the reptile was seen in Lake Creighton on Monday morning, August, 28, 2023. Chief Geist added, "In the interest of the public safety of our community, Victor Crowell Park will be closed to the public for a minimum of 72 hours or until such time that the alligator is deemed to no longer be a threat.'

Should you have any questions or require clarification regarding the information provided, please contact Lt. Thomas Falk at (732) 356-1900 extension 340.