Memphis police said a gas station clerk with a firearm thwarted a man who tried to rob the station Monday with a 5-foot-long snake.
Authorities took Reginald Cook, 26, into custody on attempted robbery charges in connection to the stickup at a Shell station on Elvis Presley Boulevard.
Police said Mr. Cook first made a purchase at the store around 2 a.m. before returning 30 minutes later and demanding cash from the register. The cashier refused and the suspect then left.
Mr. Cook came back about 35 minutes later, police said, this time with a snake wrapped around his neck and carrying a green backpack.
Police said the suspect shouted “Give me the [expletive] money” while trying to grab something from his backpack.
The cashier drew a gun and called 911.
Authorities said the suspect was arrested near the scene. Mr. Cook had a railroad spike and a rock in his bag.
• Matt Delaney can be reached at mdelaney@washingtontimes.com.
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