Full Notification

On July 31, 2015 at approximately 4 p.m., deputies responded to the front steps of the Marina Del Rey Sheriff’s Station regarding reports of a rattlesnake sighting.  When deputies arrived on scene they encountered a large rattlesnake on the steps, which are utilized by the public to conduct daily business. The rattlesnake was approximately four to five feet in length

.

The deputies attempted to confine the rattlesnake while awaiting the arrival of animal control.  During the encounter the deputies were able to briefly confine the rattlesnake, but it escaped and began to quickly move towards the Marina bicycle path which was heavily populated with bicyclists, pedestrians walking their dogs, as well as mothers walking with their children.  The deputies identified the immediate threat to the public and became concerned for the safety of the residents and visitors on the bicycle path.

Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control arrived on scene and a joint effort ensued to try to safely capture the rattlesnake. The rattlesnake moved quickly and the safety of the deputies and the animal control agent became compromised.  The deputies and animal control placed themselves in harm’s way to try to capture the rattlesnake since a safe distance for a rattlesnake sighting is approximately 15 feet.                                                                                                                                                              

Deputies in conjunction with animal control, made a decision to end the rattlesnake’s life to prevent it from biting a member of the public because it’s safe capture could not be accomplished.

The rattlesnake, according to animal control, carried enough venom to cause death to several large adults.  It is believed that the rattlesnake may have migrated from the Ballona Wetlands.

For further information and media inquiries, contact the Marina Del Rey Sheriff Station Watch Commander at (310) 482-6000.

* Marina del Rey Sheriff’s Station polices the unincorporated communities of Ladera Heights, Marina del Rey, Santa Monica Bay, View Park and Windsor Hills:

Marina del Rey Sheriff’s Station

Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department

13851 Fiji Way

Marina del Rey, CA 90292

(310) 482-6000

Website: http://www.MarinaDelRey.lasd.org

LASD Text & Email (Register at http://www.Nixle.com :

https://local.nixle.com/lasd---marina-del-rey-station-los-angeles-county-sheriff/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarinaDelReySheriffsStation

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MDRLASD

Forwarded by:

Deputy Amber Smith

Sheriff's Information Bureau - Newsroom

Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department

213-229-1700

Website: http://www.lasd.org
Follow us at: Text and Emails, LASD HQ: http://www.Nixle.com
http://nixle.com/lasd----hq-newsroom-shb-los-angeles-county-sheriff/
Twitter: @LASDHQ http://twitter.com/LASDHQ
Twitter: @LASDtalk https://twitter.com/LASDTalk
Twitter: @LASDvideos https://twitter.com/LASDvideos
Twitter: @LASDespanol https://twitter.com/LASDespanol
Facebook LASD HQ: http://www.facebook.com/LosAngelesCountySheriffsDepartment
Instagram LASD Photos: http://instagram.com/LASDHQ Pinterest
LASD Photos : http://pinterest.com/lacountysheriff/
YouTube LASD Videos: http://www.youtube.com/user/LACountySheriff/videos?view=0
Alert LA County: Telephone emergency mass notification system
http://www.lacounty.gov/wps/portal/alertla
SNAP LA County: Specific Needs Disaster Voluntary Registry http://snap.lacounty.gov/

Text & Email, Register for LASD Nixle messages: To receive more detailed, up-to-date information via E-MAIL and/or TEXT directly from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD), sign up for "Nixle" alerts at http://www.Nixle.com and register for "LASD – Headquarters Newsroom (SHB), Los Angeles County Sheriff" AND your local LASD station area. Or, to receive URGENT TEXT ALERTS ONLY, text your zip code to 888777. Standard text messaging rates may apply depending on your calling plan.

"If You See Something, Say Something"
LA Crime Stoppers: Partner to prevent or report crime by contacting your local Sheriff’s station. Or if you wish to remain Anonymous, call “LA Crime Stoppers” by dialing 800-222-TIPS (8477), texting the letters TIPLA plus your tip to CRIMES (274637), or using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org

Jim McDonnell, Sheriff
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department