Phoenix Police Investigate Bizarre Snake Theft

Phoenix Police Investigate Bizarre Snake TheftPhoenix Police Investigate Bizarre Snake Theft Phoenix police are puzzled by the brazen theft of three venomous snakes from a local pet store. The snakes, a Gaboon viper, a king cobra, and a boomslang, were valued at over $100,000. The theft occurred at the Arizona Exotic Reptile Show in Phoenix on Sunday morning. The store’s owner, Mark Smith, said he arrived to find the reptile cages empty. “It’s like someone came in and knew exactly what they were looking for,” Smith said. “They were gone in minutes.” Smith believes the thieves used a stun gun to incapacitate the snakes before taking them. He said the snakes were not venomous enough to pose a threat to humans. Police are reviewing surveillance footage and interviewing witnesses. They have not yet identified any suspects. The Gaboon viper is one of the largest venomous snakes in the world. It is found in Central and West Africa and is known for its highly venomous bite. The king cobra is the longest venomous snake in the world. It is found in Southeast Asia and is known for its powerful venom and aggressive behavior. The boomslang is a tree-dwelling snake found in sub-Saharan Africa. It has a potent venom that can cause paralysis. The theft of the snakes has raised concerns about the safety of the public. Phoenix police are urging anyone with information about the theft to come forward. “These snakes are dangerous and should not be handled by anyone other than a trained professional,” said Phoenix police spokesperson Sgt. Jonathan Howard. “If you see them, do not approach them and call the police immediately.” The investigation into the snake theft is ongoing.