Story By:  Ana Marjanovic, Sub-Editor: Michael Leidig, Agency:  Newsflash

Cops in Michigan have arrested a driver for speeding down a highway with an alligator named Karen in the passenger seat.

The unusual arrest took place in Webber Township, Lake County in the upper Midwestern US state on Saturday, 11th June.

In a statement obtained by Newsflash, Lake County Sheriff’s Office said (on 13th June): “On Saturday 6/11 at approximately 11pm, a Lake County Sheriff’s Office patrol sergeant was patrolling US-10 when he observed a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed.

“The vehicle fled after a traffic stop was initiated. The vehicle led deputies, and Michigan DNR [Department of Natural Resources] law enforcement, on a brief pursuit that ended with the vehicle being stuck between two trees on the Rails-To-Trails pathway near S. Forman Rd in Webber Township.

“The driver, a 40 year old male from Oak Park, was taken into custody and is now facing several charges. The driver also had several warrants from another jurisdiction.

“The passenger, ‘Karen’ the Alligator, attempted to flee the scene, but was taken into custody after a short scuffle. Karen is not facing any charges at this time. We believe she was an unwilling participant during the incident, nor do we believe she was ever in control of the vehicle.”

The American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) is found in the the Southeastern United States and Tamaulipas, Mexico.

The northernmost area the species is found in is the northern coast of North Carolina, over 500 miles south in latitude to where the arrest took place.