What to Know
- The incident took place at the Hernando Beach Park in Citrus County, north of Tampa, where signs warn that the beach is closed.
- The victim, Felicitie Gillette, called 911 after the five or six foot reptile grab her by the arm while she was inside the body of water.
- Gillette was taken to a hospital in Ocala, where she was treated for the injuries to her left arm and released.
A Florida woman found herself being attacked by an alligator while swimming in a park early Wednesday morning – calling 911 to ask for help shortly after she was able to escape.
The incident took place at the Hernando Beach Park in Citrus County, north of Tampa, where signs warn that the beach is closed and no swimming is allowed according to NBC affiliate WFLA-TV.
The victim, Felicitie Gillette, called 911 after the five or six foot reptile grab her by the arm while she was inside the body of water.
“Got attacked by a gator, need medical attention,” she told the dispatcher. “It came up out of nowhere and attacked.”
“Did it bite?” the dispatcher asked. Gillette answered, “Yes sir.”
FWC investigators say Gillette, who is homeless, fought back when the gator tried to drag her under the water. “It's bleeding. My arm is in a towel. I'm freaking out. I'm sorry,” Gillette told the 911 dispatcher.
Local
Gillette was taken to a hospital in Ocala, where she was treated for the injuries to her left arm and released.
