10-Foot Python Brings Police Chase To Surprise Ending

VALLEJO, CA — A driver fleeing an illegal sideshow led police on a chase with an unusual, reptilian passenger on board, according to Vallejo authorities.

Police said multiple 911 callers reported a large sideshow underway at a Vallejo intersection late last Friday, where witnesses estimated 500 vehicles were participating and blocking traffic. Officers from multiple agencies rushed to the scene, with help from the California Highway Patrol's air unit.

Police said the CHP aircrew spotted the occupants of a Cadillac pointing lasers at their flight deck while doing donuts on the road. As the Cadallic drove past officers on the ground, police said someone inside shined lasers in their eyes and refused to pull over, kicking off a pursuit.

The chase continued into Hercules, where the driver and three passengers bailed out of the car and attempted to escape on foot. While the aircraft and police K-9s picked up the search, officers peeked inside the car and found a surprise: a 10-foot python riding shotgun. One of the officers at the scene posed for a photo with the snake, which the Vallejo Police Department shared on social media.

Police said the driver and three passengers were soon apprehended nearby. The driver was arrested on suspicion of multiple crimes, including felony evading, and the three human passengers were cited for misdemeanors and released. The python, police confirmed, was "returned to its criminally charged owner."