Stolen boa constrictor returned to its owner in Oshawa, Ont.: police

OSHAWA, Ont. — Police say a snake that was stolen last weekend has been returned to its owner.

Durham regional police say a man went to an Oshawa, Ont., home on Sunday, responding to an online classified ad offering a female boa constrictor for sale.

READ MORE: Venomous snake captured in Ontario conservation area

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They say the owner of the snake helped to load the tank and the metre-long boa into the back of the man’s pickup truck.

It’s alleged that when the man went to the driver’s seat to get money to pay for the snake, he drove off.

READ MORE: Ontario woman wakes up to find large snake in apartment: police

Investigators say they identified a suspect using the screen name he used online, and a man was arrested and the pet was returned to its owner.

A 22-year-old Pickering, Ont., man is charged with theft under $5,000 and possession of stolen property under $5,000.