Ball python stolen from school, CMS looks for thief

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools said someone stole a python housed in a science lab at Northwest School of the Arts.
 
Now the school is scanning through surveillance video looking for leads in the case.
 
CMPD Animal Control Officer Jay Bell responded to a call Wednesday morning from the Reptile Club at the school saying that its ball python was missing.
 
After giving the science lab a thorough look, they concluded the nonvenomous snake had been stolen.
 
Channel 9 asked Bell why someone would want to steal the snake.
 
"They're very docile and make great pets." Bell said, "Could be they were just wanting to sell it and make some money.
 
Channel 9 stopped by the Last Place on Earth Pet Shop in north Charlotte to get a look at some ball pythons. Animal Control said the snake stolen from Northwest School of the Arts was about 5 feet long and 3 inches in diameter. Employees at the pet store were selling similar sized snakes for around $90 and said someone could easily make more than $100 selling it to a pet store, depending on how large the snake is.
 
A ball python could also be sold for $25 to $70 bucks selling it on the street. Resident Travis Blythe couldn't understand why anyone would want to steal from the students.
 
"I think it's pretty much the weirdest thing I've ever heard," Blythe said.
 
He hopes its found and returned to where it belongs soon.
 
"I just don't do snakes," he said.
 
The principal sent out a Connect-Ed message to parents yesterday asking them to talk to their children about the stolen snake.
 
The school said any students involved could be disciplined for stealing school property.

WSOC