CLEARWATER, Fla. (WFLA) — Clearwater police received an unusual call last week after a “slithery suspect” found his way onto someone’s car.
The suspect in question, a more than 5-foot-long boa constrictor, was camped out on the hood of a car sitting in a parking lot off Franklin Street.
Police said the car owner called them for help after finding the worrisome sight.
Sgt. Hinkebein and Officer Roy responded and quickly realized the snake was likely someone’s abandoned pet.
“He’s a pet, but those ones can be real testy,” the sergeant could be heard saying on body camera video.
Sgt. Hinkebein came prepared. She took out a snake hook and used it to wrangle the reptile. The police department noted that the sergeant carries a snake hook in her patrol car for whatever situation might arise.
Officer Roy helped Sgt. Hinkebein scoop the snake into a box and they took the boa to a local pet store, where officials said it will be able to find a “proper home.”
In a social media post, the police department said Sgt. Hinkebein and Officer Roy handled the situation “like pros,” and added that this was “just another day in Florida.”