Man Arrested For Releasing Venomous Snake In Grand Prairie

(Grand Prairie, TX) — A man is under arrest for releasing a dangerous snake in Grand Prairie last summer.

Police arrested 23-year-old Lawrence Matl last Friday at his home on Cherry Street for letting the West African banded cobra loose. The snake never has been found. Matl previously claimed that the snake escaped, but he’s accused of releasing it on purpose.

Owners of exotic snakes in Texas must obtain a permit from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Matl is charged with violating the department’s “release from captivity” code.