Texas Man Arrested After Traffic Stop Uncovers Guns, Drugs, and Exotic Snakes
HOUSTON, Texas — A traffic stop near Cypress, a suburb northwest of Houston, led to the arrest of a Texas man after deputies discovered firearms, drugs, and three exotic snakes loose in his vehicle, according to the Harris County Constable Precinct 4.
The incident occurred during a routine traffic stop, as detailed in a Dec. 27 news release. Deputies identified the driver as having an open felony warrant. Upon searching his vehicle, they found a loaded rifle-caliber pistol, illegal narcotics, and three ball pythons slithering in the back seat, as shown in photos shared by the precinct.
“This was definitely not your typical traffic stop,” the precinct commented in their statement.
Social media responses to the post ranged from shock to humor. One commenter joked about quitting law enforcement over such a discovery, while another speculated the man believed the snakes would deter a vehicle search.
The man was arrested on charges of unlawful carrying of a weapon and possession of illegal narcotics. Authorities handed the snakes, identified as ball pythons, over to a family member at the scene.
Ball pythons, native to Africa, are nonvenomous and generally docile, making them a popular pet worldwide. It remains unclear why the reptiles were loose in the vehicle.