Man Arrested After Animals Set Free At SW Florida Attraction

BONITA SPRINGS (CBS4) - A man was arrested and dozens of animals had to be corralled after an incident at a Southwest Florida roadside attraction Monday.

The Lee County Sheriff's Office said Steven Trew, 58, sawed open the back gate of the Everglades Wonder Gardens in Bonita Springs and cut locks off cages containing deer, pigs and birds.

An employee who reported for work Monday morning found Trew, was still on the property, and the animals roaming free. The employee held Trew until deputies arrived.

Trew, apparently frustrated that the park would soon close, reportedly told authorities that he wanted to set the animals free.

One deer was killed in a nearby vehicle crash and another was still missing. No other animals left the property.

Trew was charged with burglary of a dwelling and damage to property with criminal mischief.

The park's owner, David Piper, said he was glad the mountain lion and bobcat didn't leave their open cages.

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