Florida man attacked by alligator while washing hands in pond, police say

A man was seriously injured after being bitten by an alligator while washing his hands in a pond in Sanibel, Florida, police said. 

On Thursday morning, Sanibel police said they got a call about a man that was bitten by an alligator in a pond at Periwinkle Way. Officers said the man was using the pond to wash his hands when the alligator attacked. 

"The victim was able to free himself and call 911," a news release stated. "Individuals on scene were able to apply a tourniquet until medical assistance arrived."

The man was taken to the hospital with a serious injury to his right forearm. 

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Trappers, along with Florida Fish and Wildlife and the Panama City Police Department, were called to the area to capture the alligator.