Authorities arrested the parents of a 4-year-old boy after he accidentally shot himself. Police investigated the home and found it full of snakes, mice, and weapons.
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According to a
press release by the Blount County Sheriff's Office, police arrested Alexander Andrew Corrie, 27, and Cassandra Lynn Lutz, 39, after their son shot himself at their home in Oneonta, Alabama. Police say they heard about the shooting on April 4 at approximately 7:30 AM. Hospital workers notified them that a 4-year-old arrived with a gunshot wound.According to police, the mother reportedly shouted, "See? This is what happens when you play with guns" at the hospital. The youngster allegedly had a wound on his arm and leg, both allegedly from the same shot. Emergency services airlifted him to another hospital, where he is in stable condition after surgery.
Lutz reportedly told officers that she was "scared to death" that police in Alabama may take her child away." The officer says, "which is precisely what we did."
Investigators Found Guns, Snakes, Rats And Mice At The Property
Police obtained search warrants for the property after the shooting. When officers arrived, they found "several items and several pieces of interesting evidence." Among those items were a grinder and containers of a 'leafy substance' officers believe is marijuana. Police also found a pair of guns: a Springfield XD 9mm handgun and a Ruger 357 Magnum. Both guns were reportedly found where the child would have been. Officers found several other firearms at the property.
During the search, Investigators also discovered "several unidentified snake species." Officers believe them to be from the constrictor family. Several of the snakes were reportedly deceased and covered with maggots, sharing the same containers as other living ones. Investigators also found boxes of rats and mice at the home. Some of the rodents managed to chew through the enclosures.
"Another interesting fact. In the search warrant, we found what has been described as either a crocodile, a caiman, or an alligator." The officer explained. Those creatures cannot legally be kept at home in Alabama. Authorities have taken the living animals away from the residence.
Per People, authorities have charged Corrie and Lutz with reckless assault, chemical endangerment to a child, 10 counts of cruelty to animals, and six counts of failure to bury or burn livestock.
