A Leesburg man was apprehended for theft after walking out of the Leesburg Pet Center with a snake in his pocket.
Police reacted to Publix, situated at 717 North 14th Street, in recommendation to a retail theft at about 5:43 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 11, according to an arrest report from the Leesburg Police Department. The complainant encouraged the suspect, later on recognized as 42-year-old Brandon Lamar Hightower, had actually taken a product and was apprehended by the plaintiff in the car park.
Upon the officer’s arrival, he discovered Hightower resting on the ground with the complainant standing behind him. The 2 were separated so the officer might consult with Hightower. He started saying sorry and mentioning his child truly desired a snake, the report said.
Hightower then clarified that he strolled into the Leesburg Pet Center, situated at 935 N 14th St., and started taking a look at the snakes. He got a $400 Guayana red tail boa and went out of the store. After getting about midway through Palm Plaza, he chose he was going to return it. He observed a staff member of the store was following him, so he offered the snake to them. He attempted to leave however was dealt with by another store staff member, the report said.
The officer then spoke to the plaintiff, who was a staff member of the Leesburg Pet Center. He encouraged that he was alerted by another client that Hightower had actually taken a snake out of a cage and put it in his pocket. The complainant enjoyed him leave the store, passing all points of sale, and started to follow him. Hightower observed this and started to run away, triggering the plaintiff to chase him, the report said.
The plaintiff followed Hightower all the method to Publix where he stopped and offered the snake back, the report said. As he attempted to leave once again, the complainant tried to stop him in order for police to get here. Hightower attempted to run and pressed the plaintiff, who then put Hightower on the ground and held him there up until the officer got here.
Because of these declarations, Hightower was positioned under arrest and browsed. He encouraged there was a white powder-like compound in a cigarette pack that he discovered previously that day. This was discovered with numerous cigarettes still within. At the bottom of the pack were 3 white crystal-like rocks. These later on checked positive for drug, the report said.
Hightower was consequently charged with petit retail theft (less than $750) and ownership of drug. He was carried to the Lake County Jail with bond set at $2,500.
