Unusual suspect may have caused Lawrence County fire

A suspect has been taken into custody for causing a fire in an abandoned school in Lawrence County, but likely won't face prosecution.

Officials believe a 4-foot alligator that was kept in the building caused the fire when it escaped from its pen and knocked over a space heater.

Firefighters saved the alligator and as many as 75 rabbits and some "aquatic animals," North Beaver Township Fire Chief Paul Henry said.

Firefighters removed the alligator, but only after taping its mouth.

Township officials have not identified the owner of the former elementary school, but they say the man was living with the menagerie of animals in the building. The Game Commission is helping to care for the animals.