Subscribe | UPI Odd Newsletter Subscribe Alleged thief bitten by stolen snakes BUSHNELL, Fla., June 19 (UPI) -- A man accused of stealing poisonous snakes from a shed in Bushnell, Fla., has been hospitalized after he was bitten by the reptiles. Advertisement Sumter County, Fla., sheriff's investigators said employees at a Bushnell Wal-Mart spotted Jonathan Lafever bleeding from his wounds at the store and authorities called to the scene found five poisonous snakes in the trunk of his car, WKMG-TV, Orlando, reported Tuesday. Authorities said the owner of the snakes was contacted and identified the reptiles as two Rock rattlesnakes, a Honduran Milk snake, a butter rat snake and a southern hognose snake. A sheriff's report says Lafever admitted to taking the animals from a shed that was labeled "Poisonous Snakes." Lafever was airlifted to Orlando Regional Medical Center, where he was listed in stable condition. Authorities said he hadn't been arrested because of his hospitalization. Speeder loses 2000 Viper to DARE PLAINFIELD, Ill., June 19 (UPI) -- A man who drove nearly 100 mph over the speed limit in Plainfield, Ill., was forced to forfeit his 2000 Dodge Viper to the local drug awareness program. Advertisement Plainfield patrol officer Mario Marzetta said he heard the vehicle's 450 hp, V-10 engine revving before it flew past him at 127 mph in a 35 mph zone, the Chicago Sun-Times reported Tuesday. The Plainfield Police Department took ownership of the car and the driver was charged with felony fleeing and eluding police. The vehicle was outfitted with a set of lights and transformed into the department's newest mode of transport for the DARE -- Drug Abuse Resistance Education -- program. The car will carry DARE officers to community events, block parties, parades and schools. The car, which has 17,000 miles on it and sold for $68,000 new, was recently given a custom paint job by its previous owner that includes an airbrushed U.S. flag on the hood. Mailed gnomes full of reptiles SYDNEY, June 19 (UPI) -- Australian customs officials discovered seven snakes and eight lizards hidden in ceramic garden gnomes shipped from England. The two Sydney homes where the reptiles were destined have been searched by police but no arrests have yet been made, the BBC reported Tuesday. "When the package was opened, the officer spotted several snakes moving about. The package was immediately resealed," Australian customs said in a statement. Advertisement The reptiles, which require a special permit to bring into Australia, were put down due to quarantine regulations. A wildlife smuggling conviction in Australia carries a maximum penalty of a 10-year prison sentence and a $92,700 fine. New hospital gown preserves modesty CLEVELAND, June 19 (UPI) -- The Cleveland Clinic has unveiled a new hospital gown that doesn't have that embarrassing flap in the back. The new wrap-and-snap gown, which was designed by clinic employees, fastens on the side. WEWS-TV reported that the gown, which is longer than the old style, gives medical workers the access they need while protecting patients' modesty. The hospital introduced the gown to patients last week, WEWS reported.
