COURT HOUSE – A West Pacific Avenue resident got some help from two Middle Township police officers who removed a five-foot black snake from his home.

John Beitel, 90, said he lives in a 225-year-old home located between a pond and a creek and abutting a meadow. He said he and his wife see their fair share of critters around the property and have even dealt with snakes in the house before.

Beitel said that about a month ago, he and his wife caught a black snake and released it in the woods near his home. He said it could have been the same snake and that he decided he liked their house.

On Thursday, Sept. 11, he decided he needed some help after he and his wife chased the snake under a chest in their dining room.

“The snake was not invited for dinner,” Beitel said.

He called the police sometime between 4 and 5 p.m. requesting help. Police said Lt. Jason Sweitzer, PFC Dan Geiger and officer Emanuel Jimenez responded. They moved dishes and furniture to find and capture the snake, and Geiger released it in a wooded area away from the house, police said.

Obviously seeing humor in the incident, Beitel said the officers did a great job “arresting” the snake. “They didn’t even use handcuffs,” he said.

In all seriousness, he said he appreciated the officers’ providing assistance, which he considered beyond the call of duty.

“[They] didn’t have to do what they did,” he said.

Contact the reporter, Christopher South, at csouth@cmcherald.com or call 609-886-8600, ext. 128.