Vacaville police encountered a baby alligator when they searched the home of a Fairfield couple suspected of possessing marijuana for sale.

The married couple, Lori Riley, 34, and William Riley, 37, were seen conducting a transaction in Vacaville that police believed involved marijuana, but police did not have a warrant to search their car.

The couple drove away but the Vacaville Narcotics Enforcement team and Crime Suppression Team got a warrant and stopped the couple's car on a freeway in Modesto on Jan. 31, police said.

The Rileys had 50 pounds of processed marijuana with a street value of $250,000 and a handgun in their possession when they were arrested, Sgt. Rick Elm said.

The couple was taken back to their Fairfield home where a search was conducted, Elm said.

Officers found additional marijuana, seven firearms, including a .50-caliber bolt-action rifle, more than $29,000 in cash and a 3-foot long baby alligator, Elm said. The alligator was turned over to Solano County Humane Services.

Vacaville officers got warrants to search two Vallejo homes where they found indoor marijuana grows totaling 900 plants, Elm said.

The Rileys were booked into the Solano County jail on marijuana possession and transportation and weapons charges, Elm said.

Police wrapped up their investigation on Friday, City of Vacaville spokesman Mark Mazzaferro said.