BROKEN ARROW - Exotic snakes stolen from a nonprofit animal sanctuary Tuesday have been returned and a man who previously did community service with the sanctuary is in the Tulsa Jail in connection with the burglary.



Ryan Michael Haney, 21, was arrested just before 9 p.m. Tuesday on one count of stolen property, two counts of assault and battery on a police officer, one count of resisting arrest and one count of attempt to destroy evidence. His bond is set at more than $13,000, jail records show.



The six snakes, a popular attraction at Safari's Sanctuary, 26881 E. 58th St., were taken Monday night or early Tuesday, along with a safe containing cash.



The cash was not recovered, but all the snakes have been returned and will join the more than 250 animals that call the sanctuary home, according to e-mails from park officials.



"I am crying with happiness - thank you!" owner Lori Ensign wrote.



Ensign plans to pursue charges, she said.



Sanctuary volunteer Frank Gaddy said Haney had performed community service at the location after a previous crime. The sanctuary will be reviewing its policies for accepting community service workers.



Gaddy also said Haney was apparently bitten

by at least one of the snakes not used to being handled.



When Tulsa County deputies served an arrest warrant on Haney from an earlier charge, he tried to throw an 8-foot python out of a window and was combative with officers, according to a reports.



He shoved one officer and picked up a pool cue before officers used a Taser to subdue him, according to the report.



A Tulsa County sergeant received a cut to the hand from broken glass while trying to place restraints on Haney, according to a press release from the Tulsa County Sheriff's Office.



In March, Haney was charged with felony kidnapping and assault and battery in Tulsa County. He pleaded guilty to the latter crime and received a one-year suspended sentence. The kidnapping charge was dismissed, court records show.



Gaddy said the sanctuary will be set up a special donation jug this weekend for park visitors who wish to help with feeding and care of the animals.



www.tulsaworld.com/webextra/content/2010/crimesite/article.aspx?subjectid=450&articleid=20100804_11_0_BROKEN276796&allcom=1

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