Owner of deadly cobra caught after highly venomous snake burst out of its enclosure and let loose in Grand Prairie

The owner of a deadly cobra has been caught after the highly venomous snake burst out of its enclosure and has yet to be found.

Police arrested Lawrence Matl, 23, for releasing his West African cobra, which is still in the wild in Grand Prairie, Texas.

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The 23-year-old was charged with a violation of the Parks and Wildlife Code which states that “a person must not knowingly, knowingly, recklessly, or through criminal negligence release or authorize release. out of captivity” a non-venomous snake.

He is currently being held at the Grand Prairie Detention Center on a $10,000 fine.

Matl Report the missing snake from his house on Cherry Street in August 2021 told Animal Services officers he noticed it was missing in the enclosure.

The agency, along with a venomous snake expert, searched for the missing cobra but were unable to locate it.

Since then no one has seen the snake, while residents are encouraged to call 911 if they see any reptile similar to a cobra.

Grand Prairie Police Officer Mark Beseda told WFAA in August: “We’ve never dealt with a West African cobra before.

“This is something new for us and honestly, it puts our officers in a difficult position.

“We’re out there walking in the grass, around the house wondering if my next step is a venomous snake.”

Grand Prairie Police said Matl had a valid state license to own the cobra.

Matl previously apologized for causing the panic and told NBC 5 he thought his snake could get stuck between the walls of his home and die or go down to the creek to die.

“I made a mistake and I feel sorry for the community,” he said.

As reported by experts, the cobra is 6ft long and according to experts, it is considered the largest of the true African cobra species, KTVTreported.

They are capable of growing up to 10 feet large.

According to the police department, owning a snake is not illegal, but a person must have a permit to do so, based on Texas Department of Parks & Wildlife. Grand Prairie Police said in a statement in August that possession of the snake was authorized by the Texas Department of Parks and Wildlife.