OXNARD –  The Oxnard Police Department and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) completed an investigation into Oxnard resident Donny Askar regarding narcotics activity possibly occurring at his home located on the 2500 block of Peninsula Road. During the investigation, investigators learned that Askar may be in possession of an alligator.

On March 2, 2021, law enforcement officers located Askar in the City of Port Hueneme. Officers contacted Aksar and detained him pursuant to his probation terms. Officers and then conducted a probation search at Aksar’s residence pursuant to his search terms. During the search, officers found heroin, methamphetamine, cocaine, and an alligator approximately four feet in length.

CDFW wardens responded to the home to secure the alligator. The alligator was found submerged in a poorly secured tank with rancid water. Askar’s home is a waterfront residence which could have led to the alligator escaping into the Channel Islands Harbor. Wardens seized the alligator and transported it to a safe and secure location.

“CDFW wardens are well prepared to encounter all kinds of wildlife situations in the course of their duties,” said California Statewide Law Enforcement Association (CSLEA) President Alan Barcelona.  “I’m thankful they were able to assist Oxnard PD with their investigation and safely remove the alligator from the situation it was in and transport it to a secure and healthier location.”

Askar was arrested for possession for sale of heroin and methamphetamine, both felonies, animal cruelty, a felony, and illegal possession of an alligator, a misdemeanor.