INQUIRER.net stock photo
A man is now wanted in Florence, South Carolina for stealing a snake from a PeeDee pet store, which he took by hiding the creature in his pants.
The Florence Police Department is on the lookout for the unidentified suspect, said to be around 35 to 40 years old, local media The State reported on Tuesday, Aug. 21.
The report stated that the shoplifting incident happened on Aug. 10, when the man visited the pet store and went over to a snake — a red-tail boa constrictor. Lieutenant Mike Brandt said the store owner heard a noise, which he thought was only by a rat. The owner then saw the suspect “acting suspiciously.”
After the suspect left the establishment, the owner checked the CCTV footage. Brandt said that from the footage, the owner “saw the suspect conceal a snake in his pants and leave the store.”
The suspect is now wanted for larceny. Brandt also noted that the store has never experienced animal shoplifting in more than three years. The lieutenant, expressing disbelief about the incident, said in the report, “It is very unusual.” Katrina Hallare/JB
RELATED STORIES:
1-year-old bitten by rattlesnake hiding in his toys
Sneaky surprise: Snake slithers around delivery car’s side mirror
