Snake Handler Abandons Reptiles On Walk Of Fame While Fleeing Police: LAPD

HOLLYWOOD, CA — A man accused of using exotic snakes to collect money from tourists on the Hollywood Walk of Fame left his reptiles behind while fleeing from police during a recent run-in with the law.

The incident happened while officers with the department’s Hollywood Vice unit were patrolling the tourist-heavy area along Hollywood Boulevard, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.

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In a social media post, LAPD said officers spotted a man “parading exotic snakes around for tourist money” before attempting to contact him.

Police said the man ran away on foot, abandoning the snakes at the scene.

The reptiles were safely recovered by officers and later turned over to Los Angeles Animal Control, authorities said.

Photos shared by the LAPD showed a man standing on the boulevard with a large snake wrapped around his body. Additional images showed at least one of the snakes secured inside an enclosure in the back of a department vehicle after being recovered.

Police did not release the man’s identity or say whether he was later located or cited. Authorities also did not specify how many snakes were recovered or what species they were.