Pythons, geckos and a handgun were recovered at a Capitol Heights home after police served a search warrant in connection with a suspected reptile theft ring.
Fairfax County police say the suspects cleaned out the reptile sections of three Petco stores in Fairfax County last May, and might have targeted pet stores in Prince George’s, Baltimore and Charles County as well.
“They were definitely stealing some high-end reptiles,” Fairfax County Police Capt. Richard Cash told News4.
Images provided by police show several of the snakes that were recovered — all still alive and slithering.
Police say the animals have a total value between $10,000 and $15,000.
“We have individuals that operated in pairs, they operated in concert with each other, that would enter these stores,” Cash said during a press conference about the arrests.
“They would approach the reptile habitats, and they would disconnect the locking mechanisms for the cages. And then, on video, our detectives were able to witness them removing the animals from cages, placing them into bags that they brought to the store with them and then exiting.”
Detectives say the theft ring targeted the pet stores during business hours and focused strictly on the reptile section.
The stores’ glass aquariums hold snakes, including pythons, as well as bearded dragons and geckos.
Fairfax County police say they do not know what the suspects planned to do with the reptiles but believe they would likely be sold online or at swap meets.
Cash said at least two of the snakes were worth about $400 each.
Two suspects have been charged in connection to the ring and a third accomplice is still being sought.
