WACO -
Police have arrested a Killeen man who robbed a local Petsmart Wednesday evening. Romando Joaquin Hughes has been arrested for stealing four snakes from the Petsmart in the 4200 block of Franklin Ave.
Hughes told the clerk he wanted to look at some snakes. The clerk packaged two Corn snakes, a Mexican Black Snake, and a python for Hughes, and placed the box on the counter.
Hughes then grabbed the box and headed for the door. The clerk told him that he had to pay for the snakes, but he refused.
He then pulled out a knife and moved in a threatening manner. He told the clerk to not follow him or he would kill her, possibly more than once.
Hughes got into a silver Chevy Silverado pickup truck and drove away. Waco police obtained an arrest warrant for Hughes for aggravated robbery.
He was stopped in Hill County by Itasca police for speeding, but when officers walked up to the truck to confront Hughes, he sped off and almost hit an officer with the vehicle.
Police chased him into Ellis County where spike strips were deployed to stopped the truck.
Hughes is now in Hill County Jail, and all four snakes have been recovered and taken back to Petsmart. Authorities also discovered the truck was stolen from Killeen.
