Reality TV star, friend accused of illegally capturing alligator in Palm Beach County

Brian Bunting, David Swick seen on video catching 'gator by hand'

Brian Bunting, 28, and David Swick, 31, were arrested on charges of unlawfully possessing or capturing an alligator.

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – Two men accused of illegally capturing an alligator months ago in Palm Beach County were arrested last weekend.

Brian Bunting, 28, of Newberry, and David Swick, 31, of Wellington, were booked into the main Palm Beach County jail on charges of unlawfully possessing or capturing an alligator.

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According to a report filed by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission in July, Bunting and Swick were seen on video capturing an alligator from a Palm Beach County pond.

The video was posted April 3 on Bunting's Facebook page.

"You guys ever see someone get bit by an alligator before?" a man identified as Bunting said in beginning of the video.

In the video, Bunting can be seen using a fishing pole to hook the gator by the edge of the pond while his friend, identified as Swick, grabs the gator by the neck and carries the animal to shore.

This is my kind of entertainment all day!!! Yall keep the Bars and clubs just give me a fishing pole and the woods and Ima happy Cat

Posted by Brian Bunting on Sunday, April 3, 2016

"Well, and that is how you catch a gator by hand," Bunting said in the video.

Bunting is a cast member on the reality television series "Gainesville: Friends Are Family."

According to the FWC report, Bunting said they caught the gator "for fun." He said the gator was released.

Bunting and Swick were released from jail on bond.


About the Author
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Peter Burke returned for a second stint of duty at Local 10 News in February 2014.

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