Snake emerges from second-hand chair

RICHMOND, Va., April 8 (UPI) -- A Virginia man said he was shocked when a boa constrictor emerged from a chair that had recently been given to him by a friend.

Barrett Edwards of Richmond said he was watching TV Wednesday morning when he got up from the chair to use the bathroom and returned to find the snake coiled atop a vent, WTVR-TV, Richmond, reported Thursday.

Edwards called 911 and police arrived to trap the snake in a pillow case. Investigators said they believe the snake had been hiding in the coils of the chair since before it was given to Edwards.

Police said they returned the snake, named Buddy, to its owner. No charges were filed in the case.