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$7.5K reward offered after rare Leucistic gator stolen, dozens of reptiles killed in Sumter Co.

"It appears that the building was burglarized first and then set on fire after the theft of the rare alligator," authorities said.

Update on Friday, June 29, 2018: BUSINESS, Fla. - Investigators are offering up to $7,500 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspects accused of stealing a rare albino gator and killing dozens of reptiles.

The Sumter County Sherrif's Office, Crimline and Gatorland have partnered together to offer the reward.

A Leucistic alligator named Snowball was stolen around 11:30 a.m. Friday from the building on SW 52nd Terrace, the sheriff's office said.

The sheriff's office said 43 gators and crocodiles were then killed when the structure was set on fire after the theft.

Anyone with information is asked to call 1(800)423-8477.

Original Story on Thursday, June 28, 2018: BUSHNELL, Fla. - A Leucistic alligator was stolen from a building with 43 other alligators and crocodiles, but following the theft, the other reptiles were killed when the structure was set on fire, the Sumter County Sheriff's Office said.

The rare gator was last seen in the building on SW 52nd Terrace on Friday at about 11:30 a.m., the sheriff's office said.

"It appears that the building was burglarized first and then set on fire after the theft of the rare alligator," the sheriff's office said.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact Det. Chris Merritt at 352-793-2621 or Crimeline at 800-423-TIPS (8477).

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