A Great Bend man was arrested at 4:45 p.m. on Tuesday after two search warrants were issued for 1017 Taft St. Great Bend Police Officers were notified of a subject who was in possession of an exotic, venomous snake, a violation of city Ordinance 6.08.170, GBPD Capt. Scott Bieberle said.

Upon the officers’ arrival, they contacted Ari Hooley, 25, the resident of 1017 Taft St. During the course of the investigation, Hooley admitted owning the snake, which was identified as a coral cobra. Hooley reportedly refused to cooperate with the GBPD officers and turn the snake over to animal control officers. 

The officers obtained a search warrant for the residence. The reptile was located at the house, but it had been decapitated and buried by the owner prior to officers’ arrival.

While executing the initial warrant, suspected narcotics were located in the home. A second search warrant was obtained and executed for the illegal drugs. 

Officers found evidence of cultivation and distribution of a large quantity of hallucinogenic mushrooms. Officers also located suspected marijuana and drug paraphernalia inside the residence. 

Hooley was arrested and transported to the Barton County Detention Center, where he was booked in lieu of a $300,000 bond.  

The snake was reported to have bitten the owner on Monday and he received medical attention for the injury. 

If anyone has any information about this crime or any other crime, contact the Great Bend Police Department by telephone, 620-793-4120, or call Crime Stoppers, 620-792-1300.