Man used a 5-foot snake to try to rob a Shell convenience store, police say

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC/Gray News) – A man is accused of attempting to rob a Shell convenience store next door to Elvis Presley’s Graceland by using a five-foot snake.

Reginald Cook, 26, is charged with two counts of attempted aggravated robbery.

Police said Cook attempted to rob the Shell on Elvis Presley Boulevard three times early Tuesday morning.

First, around 2 a.m., Cook allegedly entered the store and implied that he had a weapon but left.

According to an affidavit, Cook entered the store again and demanded money from the register. The employee said that Cook kept reaching into his clothing, implying that he had a gun, but Cook left the store after the victim refused to give him money.

At approximately 3:05 a.m., Cook entered the store for the third time, this time with a five-foot snake wrapped around his neck.

The employee said Cook came up to the counter shouting and demanding money again.

The affidavit states that the victim saw Cook reaching inside his backpack, implying that he was armed with a weapon. The victim pulled out his own gun in self-defense.

Minutes later, officers arrived on the scene and took Cook into custody.

Police said no money was taken and no one was injured.

It’s unclear where the snake came from and what happened to the animal.

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