Tennessee man arrested after trying to rob gas station with 5-foot snake

US News

From Ronny Reyes

If you don't succeed at first, try again with a snake around your neck.

A Tennessee man was arrested after attempting to rob a gas station three times, police said. The last attack involved a 1.5 meter long snake.

Reginald Cook, 26, first attempted to rob the Shell gas station on Elvis Presley Boulevard in Memphis around 2 a.m. Monday, local WREG reports.

The suspect had entered the store to make a purchase but later demanded money from the cashier, who refused, according to a police affidavit.

Cook immediately left, but returned 30 minutes later to demand the money again – this time reaching into his pockets to make it appear as if he had a weapon, according to the teller's statement.

After the second unsuccessful robbery, police said, Cook returned in a worse mood and had a five-foot snake around his neck.

“Give me the damn money,” Cook allegedly shouted to the frightened cashier.

When Cook reached into his backpack – again suggesting he was about to arm himself – the cashier pulled out his own gun in self-defense, the affidavit says.

The store employee called 911 and police arrived shortly thereafter and arrested Cook without further incident.

Memphis police found a railroad nail and a rock in Cook's backpack. Officers also confiscated the snake, according to the affidavit.

Cook was charged with two counts of attempted aggravated robbery and bail was set at $4,000.

His family visited the Shell gas station the next day to apologize for the incident and offered to pay for any damage caused by Cook, the local outlet said.