A shocking and highly unusual theft has left authorities in Tennessee investigating a crime unlike any other. Thieves used pythons to steal $400 worth of CBD oil from a petrol station, distracting the cashier with live snakes while executing their plan.
The bizarre incident, which was captured on CCTV footage, involved four suspects—three men and one woman—who carefully orchestrated the heist using serpents as a diversion. As the authorities work to identify the culprits and recover the stolen goods, this case has drawn significant attention for its strange and creative execution.
A Slithering Distraction: How the Heist Unfolded
The theft took place at a petrol station in Madison County, Tennessee. CCTV footage revealed that the group entered the store together, with each member playing a specific role in the distraction.
While the female suspect engaged the cashier in conversation, one of the men placed a ball python on the counter. The sight of the snake immediately caught the cashier’s attention, making him reach for his mobile phone—possibly to record the incident or call for help.
As the cashier focused on the snake, the woman appeared to reach for his phone, potentially aiming to prevent him from documenting the theft. Meanwhile, another man took out a second python and dangled it over the counter, further intensifying the chaos. The CCTV video ended at that point, but the situation was far from over.
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According to the store employee, Mayur Raval, the suspects moved swiftly, taking advantage of the distraction caused by the snakes. Raval, who was working with his brother at the time, admitted that he was afraid of the pythons.
Bizarre Heist Caught on CCTV! A group of suspects used two live ball pythons to distract a cashier before stealing $400 worth of CBD oil from a Citgo petrol station in Madison County. The footage, shared by 731 Crime Stoppers, shows a man placing the snakes on the counter while… pic.twitter.com/kX4ubXpGGi
— CLR.CUT (@clr_cut) March 17, 2025
The thieves grabbed bottles of CBD oil from the counter and tried to take more, but they were limited by the presence of other customers in the store.
Fear and Confusion: Employee’s Perspective
Raval recounted the terrifying encounter in an interview with WREG-TV News, explaining how the thieves methodically executed their plan. He described how the men used two different snakes—one white and the other a mix of brown and white—to create an atmosphere of panic and confusion.
“They were just waving them around and putting them on the counter,” Raval said, recalling the unsettling scene. “One person brought in one snake first, and then after that, he brought in another snake.”
Despite the shock and fear, Raval and his brother attempted to maintain their composure. However, their focus was primarily on avoiding the snakes rather than on stopping the theft. This reaction played right into the thieves’ plan, as they were able to quickly seize multiple bottles of CBD oil and flee before the situation could be brought under control.
Raval also mentioned that the suspects had parked their car right in front of the store’s entrance, suggesting that the theft was premeditated. He firmly believed that their plan extended beyond just stealing CBD oil and that they may have intended to take more valuable items had there been fewer customers in the store at the time.
“They pulled their car up to the front of the door,” Raval said. “I think they planned to successfully come here and rob the store. The snake is a weapon, you know.”
Investigation and Public Reaction
The Madison County Sheriff’s Office has launched an investigation into the incident, but as of now, the identities of the suspects remain unknown. Authorities are working with the available CCTV footage and statements from the employees to track down the criminals.
While it is not uncommon for thieves to use distractions during robberies, the use of live pythons as a tool for theft is extremely rare and has left many in disbelief.
The public reaction to the case has been a mix of shock, amusement, and concern. While some find the thieves’ creativity bizarrely entertaining, others recognize the serious implications of using live animals in a crime.
Many social media users have pointed out that the incident could have been far worse if someone had been bitten or if a customer had reacted violently out of fear.
Animal rights advocates have also expressed concern over the well-being of the pythons used in the theft. There are questions about whether the snakes were properly cared for and whether they were subjected to undue stress during the crime. Some have called for stricter laws to prevent the exploitation of animals in criminal activities.
As the investigation continues, law enforcement officials are urging local businesses to remain vigilant and report any suspicious behavior. Store owners are also being advised to review their security measures and consider additional protections to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The theft at the Tennessee petrol station is undoubtedly one of the most bizarre crimes in recent memory. The use of pythons to steal CBD oil highlights the lengths to which criminals will go to achieve their goals.
While the suspects remain at large, the case has captured widespread attention, sparking discussions about security, animal welfare, and the evolving tactics of thieves.
As law enforcement works to bring the perpetrators to justice, one thing is certain—this is a crime that will not be forgotten anytime soon. Whether it serves as a cautionary tale for business owners or simply as an unusual chapter in Tennessee’s crime history, the python theft case is a testament to the unpredictability of human ingenuity, even in illegal endeavors.