SUN-STAR (Merced, California) 24 November 05 3 boys accused of reptile robbery - Atwater store owner detained one suspect (Mike De La Cruz)
Atwater : Three boys were arrested for allegedly stealing two python snakes and a bearded lizard from an Atwater feed and supply store.
The reptile-snatching caper was reported around 1 p.m. on Tuesday by the owner of the Armstrong Feed and Supply Store, at 4910 W. Clover Ave.
The owner, Tom Armstrong, reported four teenage boys had stolen reptiles from the store.
He was detaining one of the boys he said he caught stealing a lizard.
The other three suspects, described as wearing gray sweatshirts, allegedly stole two python snakes before leaving the store, the owner told sheriff's Deputy Lisa Drum.
The two brown-black ball python snakes are valued at $40 apiece and the brown bearded dragon lizard is valued at $80, the owner said.
Sheriff's deputies searching the area spotted and detained two boys in front of a Green Sands Avenue golf course. They were wearing gray sweatshirts and carrying a snake.
The two boys caught with the snake -- both 15 years of age -- were arrested on suspicion of burglary despite their protests the snake had been given to them outside of the store by the fourth teenager.
The fourth boy identified only as "Dave" was not apprehended.
The 15-year-old boy, held by the owner until deputies arrived, also was arrested on suspicion of burglary after reportedly admitting he took the lizard.
He reportedly told the deputy he did not have money to pay for the lizard.
One of the boys was turned over to the custody of his parents pending a juvenile court hearing, and the other two booked into Merced County Juvenile Hall.
Because juveniles are not eligible for bail, the two youngsters will remain at the hall pending a juvenile court hearing.
The python snakes and the bearded lizard were recovered and returned to the owner, Dover said.
3 boys accused of reptile robbery