Cause of car crash: Drinking, drugs or stolen $112 python?
They thought they would find blood, broken glass and an injured woman.
Instead, firefighters rushing to help the woman who crashed into their station found a python on her chest.
What's even more bizarre: She had reportedly stolen the small ball python from a nearby pet shop called Petco.
Police said Sarah Espinosa, 22, lost control of her 2010 Toyota Prius around 7 pm on Monday night while driving on Jericho Turnpike in New Hyde Park on Long Island.
ABC News, citing a police report, said Espinosa’s vehicle "collided with two fire trucks parked in the firehouse causing damage to the vehicles".
"We heard a loud bang and then a second loud bang," said New Hyde Park Chief Steven Waldron.
"As soon as she went through the doors, firefighters began the rescue."
The fire station door needed emergency repairs and the bumper of one fire truck was damaged.
The police report said marijuana was found on Espinosa at the time of the accident.
She was treated and released from a hospital.
The snake was returned to its home at the store, where it is awaiting an owner for about US$90 (S$112).
Espinosa has been charged with reckless endangerment, petty larceny, reckless driving, driving while intoxicated, and unlawful possession of marijuana.
The Legal Aid attorney representing Espinosa entered a plea of not guilty on her behalf.
Held on US$5,000 bail, she is due back in court on Aug 7, Newsday reported.
No firefighters were injured in the accident.
Sources: ABC News, Newsday
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