Pet snake bites Hope boy

HOPE, Ind. — A pet boa constrictor bit a Hope family’s 1-year-old son, causing minor injuries, police said.

The boy was bitten on the hand Sunday night while reaching into a dresser drawer at the Perez family home on Schaefer Drive in Hope, according to Hope Police Department.

The Perez family told police that the snake, which measured about 4 feet long and two inches around, had gotten out of its cage and that they had been looking for it when the boy got bit.

The boy’s mother, Latonya Perez, heard her son scream, ran into the bedroom and tried to pull the snake from the child’s hand, police said.

The first attempt failed, and Latonya Perez grabbed the snake by the head, forcing it to release the child. Once released, the snake struck at Latonya, police said.

Latonya Perez and her father, George Perez, went to the Hope Police Department station seeking emergency medical treatment for the boy at 8:38 p.m. Sunday and Hope Fire Department responded.

Hope Police Chief Randy Bailey said a report on the incident will be filed with Child Protective Services.

“When it comes to this type of family pet there should be several safety checks in place to ensure child safety,” Bailey said.