I just got an email from venomousreptiles.org email list.

Story
A man armed with an assault rifle has barricaded himself in a home with dozens of poisonous snakes and other exotic animals, Miami-Dade SWAT said Thursday.

The standoff, which is happening at a reptile farm near SW 344th Street and SW 212th Avenue in Homestead, has been going on for over two hours and started after the suspect fired a shot at another man.

According to investigators, the subject shot at one victim, who sustained minor injuries after being grazed by the bullet.

It's unclear what sparked the incident or if others are inside the home


Tom Crutchfield lives on SW 212th Ave in Homestead, Florida, and I know of no other venomous keepers on that road. I could be wrong, but we will see.

Here is the link
http://www.nbcmiami.com/news/local/Man-Barricaded-With-AK-47-and-Poisonous-Snakes-SWAT-119007449.html

Randy

Wow..... That is crazy!

Sounds like it is going to be another hit in the media here in the states with venomous reptiles being in the headlines. This time with an AK47 alongside it...can't be good.

Not to jump to conclusions.. but who else could it possibly be?

If anyone is expecting a shipment anytime soon, there may be a slight delay...

I haven't heard anything new, but it has to be Tom's place. It didn't give a house number, but I have been there many times and I don't know of anyone else living on that road.

Tom has a few guys working for him, that I don't really know that well. Strange thing. Anxious to hear what the real deal is.

More news on:

http://miami.cbslocal.com/2011/03/31/homestead-reptile-farm-site-of-srt-standoff/

Sad. Again I know why I don't like firearms ...

According to various Facebok sources, including Tom's own page, he had a disagreement with one of his associates. The associate shot at Tom, "grazing" his arm, and then barricaded himself into the house and shot himself. Tom should be fine.

Günter: couldn't agree more...

Glad you sound ok Tom.
Take care.
Best wishes,
MCH

Good to hear that Mr. Crutchfield is safe and sound, in all of this. Sincerely, Jon Davidson .

I read something that said Tom's partner Bruce is the one that shot at Tom and grazed him and then Bruce was found dead in the house, but do not quote me on this.

Here is what I read. http://kingsnake.com/blog/archives/446-SWAT-Standoff-at-Crutchfield-Reptiles.html

I know Bruce. He gave me my first Nikon Dslr Camera and Lens. He said it was his and Tom's but it was too much to learn, and they wanted an easier camera to use, so Bruce gave it to me, along with a lens, and other stuff. I offered to give them some money for it, but Bruce and Tom said No. I can't imagine what happened if it was Bruce. He surely didn't seem like the type to do something like this, but I have seem some strange things in my life.

Randy

Glad Tom is okay! Wild stuff.

Sad, but "Guns/firearms" are not the problem. Its the person pulling the trigger.

Your exactly right Jason.

Guenter, do you not like cars because someone has an accident and kills someone with their car. That is ridiculous.

Guns do not kill people, people kill people. Blame the person, not in inanimate object.

The gun does load itself and shoot someone, without the help of a person.

Yes, Randy and Jason are right. I think that guns are awesome. From when I was 11 untill I was 17 I have been shooting once or twice a week at a shooting club for junior members. I also still want to join a shooting club for firearms once.

Just for the sport, not to kill people or animals...