The menagerie included an alligator, geckos, two scorpions and a tarantula. Scorpions and tarantulas are venomous. The animals, which were taken by the Michigan Humane Society, might have been protecting stolen goods and a drug business, Green said. There were also rifles in the home. There were three or four new lawn mowers.
Police say they believe the goods are stolen.
The man police suspect of keeping the drugs and stolen goods lives at the home with his mother, stepfather and a roommate, Green said. Green said police had responded to calls there and knew the man was prone to violence, so the Police Emergency Response Team, a force similar to a SWAT operation, also responded Wednesday. The man wasn't home, Green said, but his mother was. She said she knew nothing and was not arrested, Green said. Police expect to issue warrants today for the man's arrest on drug and firearms charges.