Man arrested after assault with python snake in Toronto

Toronto police have arrested and charged a man following an alleged assault with a python snake.

Police responded to a call for a man threatening people with a python snake in the Trinity-Bellwoods neighbourhood of Dundas Street West and Manning Avenue just before midnight on Wednesday.

Investigators said a man was walking down the street holding a real python when he allegedly approached the victim with the snake.

Officers said there was a physical altercation, and the man used the python to attack the victim. Police arrived on the scene and arrested one person.

A police spokesperson told CityNews the victim was not injured in the attack and that the suspect and victim did not know each other.

The accused was identified as 45-year-old Laurenio Avila of Toronto. He’s been charged with assault with a weapon and unnecessary pain and suffering to an animal.

Avila appeared in court on Thursday.