2 Charged With Assault After Snake Incident

The district attorney’s office Friday filed assault charges against two North Hollywood men who allegedly began shooting at each other Tuesday night during an argument over the proper handling of a boa constrictor.

Michael Fegan, 20, owner of the snake, and Cleophus Thorps, 47, a neighbor of Fegan’s at a North Hollywood apartment complex, were arraigned on one count each of assault with a deadly weapon, Deputy Dist. Atty. John Spillane said.

Fegan was injured slightly in the head and both hands during the 5:30 p.m. shoot-out. The incident erupted after he reportedly accused Thorps of “squeezing too hard” while handling the snake. Thorps was not injured in the exchange.

Both men were ordered held at County Jail in lieu of $12,000 bail, Spillane said. They are scheduled to appear for a preliminary hearing in San Fernando Municipal Court on Aug. 9.