(WFLA/NBC) A Florida man is facing theft charges after authorities say he tried to steal a snake from a pet store by putting it in his pants.
Surveillance video shows the suspect reach into the snake enclosure, pull out a baby python and put it in the left front pocket of his pants.
Store owner Steve Silk says the man has been in at least twice before, and has targeted the store's high-end snakes.
But Silk was ready when the suspect returned.
Employees took matters into their own hands, confronting the suspect, identified as Travis Treder.
When Treder tried to escape, employees blocked the front entrance and a customer, who just so happened to be a security guard, jumped in to help.
They were able to zip tie Treder until authorities arrived.
The store's owner estimates that Treder has stolen at least a $1,000 worth of reptiles from the store in the past.
"He's been in twice before over the past nine months, and we didn't realize he stole anything until after the fact," said Silk.
The baby python that Treder was trying to take is estimated to cost around $150.
Courtesy: WFLA via NBC News Channel